Alabama Flood Insurance

Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates & Companies in Alabama

The state of Alabama is no stranger to floods. In fact, even in dry years, flash floods are still likely to happen. From small river floods to hurricane damage, flooding can take its toll. One of the best ways to protect your home, your belongings, and your financial well-being in Alabama is to get the proper flood insurance.

Fortunately, an Alabama independent insurance agent can help you get set up with just the right amount of flood insurance. They'll consider your personal property and flooding risks and get you matched to the best policy. First, though, here's a deep dive into Alabama flood insurance requirements, average costs, coverage options, and more.

Key Takeaways - Alabama Flood Insurance

• Flood insurance can protect your home's structure and your personal belongings from water damage caused by natural flooding, such as from hurricanes. 
• The average annual flood insurance cost in Alabama is $853, or approximately $71 per month.
• Many homeowners in Alabama are required to have flood insurance, especially those living near bodies of water.
• Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can tailor a policy to your unique property and coverage needs.

Best Flood Insurance Companies in Alabama

Flood insurance is available from a handful of carriers in Alabama. Here are our top recommendations for the best flood insurance companies in Alabama to get you started.

• Progressive: This carrier sells flood insurance and a wide range of personal and business insurance. Progressive has an excellent financial strength rating from AM Best, offers many discounts, and provides 24/7/365 customer service.
• REInsure Pro: This carrier sells flood insurance and many other types of personal insurance. REInsure Pro works with independent insurance agents and offers fast claims responses.

An independent insurance agent in Alabama can provide you with flood insurance coverage options and quotes from each of these carriers and any others you're interested in comparing.

How to buy flood insurance in Alabama

You can buy flood insurance in Alabama from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or directly from a private insurance company, either in person or online. You can also work together with a local independent insurance agent. These agents have access to multiple carriers, so they're free to shop and compare your options to find the leasts expensive flood insurance in Alabama. 

Is Flood Insurance Required in Alabama?

The short answer is, it depends. It's important to understand Alabama's flood insurance requirements to avoid potential penalties for noncompliance. While flood insurance isn't required for everyone in Alabama, those who purchase homes through a federally regulated or insured lender in high-risk areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are usually required to get coverage. 

If you live in a low or medium-risk area, you may be able to qualify for a low-cost flood insurance policy. The majority of homes along Alabama's coast and rivers are considered high-risk, so flood insurance is likely required. Your independent insurance agent can tell you for sure if flood insurance is required in your area.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Alabama?

In Alabama, you can expect flood insurance to protect your personal property and the structure of your home. Flood insurance offers policyholders two major types of coverage:

• Building coverage: This can help repair or rebuild after damage to the home's structure caused by natural flooding, including electrical systems, plumbing, flooring, built-in appliances, and external damage.
• Contents coverage: This can reimburse you for damage or destruction to personal belongings, such as electronics, furniture, clothing, removable appliances, and jewelry, caused by natural floodwaters. 

Note that there are often restrictions on contents coverage. Flood insurance in Alabama typically doesn't cover finished basements and belongings stored in them.

What's Not Covered by Alabama Flood Insurance?

Alabama flood insurance doesn't typically cover contents in a home's basement. Overall, flood insurance comes with several important exclusions that are worth being aware of. In Alabama, don't expect flood insurance to cover any of the following:

• Additional living expenses
• Outdoor property like septic systems, decks, patios, landscaping, wells, hot tubs, pools, and fences
• Personal belongings stored in basements
• Vehicles
• Valuable papers like certificates and currency
• Business property and interruptions

Additionally, flooding caused by sewer backups and line breaks isn't covered by flood insurance. You can often add sewer backup endorsements to your Alabama homeowners insurance if you're interested in this coverage.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Alabama?

The average flood insurance cost in Alabama is $853 per year, or about $71 per month. This is a bit cheaper than the national average of $899. 

Flood insurance rates are determined by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program according to the flood insurance rate map. However, the price of a flood insurance policy can vary depending on the following factors:

• The location of the home
• The building materials used in the home
• The home's specific flood zone designation
• The history of flooding in the area
• The amount of coverage chosen

You might want to conduct a thorough inventory and valuation of all your personal property when determining how much flood insurance to buy.

Alabama Flood Zones

You can find Alabama flood zone maps easily online. The best place to access Alabama flood maps, including Birmingham, Alabama flood maps, is on FEMA's official website. FEMA provides many comprehensive and user-friendly tools to help you assess your Alabama flood risk. You can access Alabama flood zone map PDFs, Alabama flood plain maps, and more.

The most flood-prone counties in Alabama

If you live in any of these eight counties, your property is at a higher risk of flooding than in other areas of Alabama:

1. Jefferson County
2. Houston County
3. Mobile County
4. Choctaw County
5. Baldwin County
6. Coffee County
7. Morgan County
8. Tuscaloosa County

Residents and property owners in any of these Alabama counties might want to consider getting flood insurance right away, or coverage may actually be required in these areas. An independent insurance agent can help you find flood insurance ASAP.

How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Alabama

You can apply for flood insurance in Alabama directly through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) online. However, an independent insurance agent can also help you get a flood insurance policy. These agents have access to multiple private flood insurance companies, and they can help you find the best rate and coverage for your unique property. 

The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Alabama

There are a couple of possible flood insurance discounts you can earn in Alabama. For example, FEMA sometimes offers flood insurance discounts for newly mapped properties or for residents in communities that participate in the organization's Community Rating System. These discounts can range from 5% to 45%, depending on a property's classification. An independent insurance agent can also help you find any Alabama flood insurance discounts you're eligible for. 

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Alabama

While floods can be devastating, fortunately, the process of filing flood insurance claims doesn't have to be. You can file a flood insurance claim in Alabama by following these simple steps:

1. Contact your insurance company or agent: Start by promptly contacting your independent insurance agent or flood insurance carrier. If you contact your agent, they can file the claim for you directly through your carrier. Have your insurance information, including your policy number, ready before making the call.
2. Prepare for an inspection: Make sure your home is officially declared safe to reenter before you go inside. You'll be asked by your insurance company to provide as much detail and evidence about the damage and flooding as possible. Be prepared with a written description of the incident, along with photos and videos of any damaged property. 
3. Cooperate with your claims adjuster: Your insurance company should assign a claims adjuster to inspect your property within 24-48 hours, but this timeframe can vary by insurer. The adjuster will schedule your home inspection and then visit your property to assess the damage in person. Depending on the extent of the damage and your specific coverage, they might be able to provide you with an estimate for reimbursement at the end of their visit. 
4. Receive payment: Your insurance company will send you a claims check or direct deposit of any reimbursement you're entitled to. This amount will depend on your specific policy's coverage terms and the nature of the flood damage to your property. The timeframe for receiving reimbursement varies by insurance company.

An independent insurance agent can file Alabama flood insurance claims for you and keep you updated through every step of the process, including when you can expect to receive reimbursement. 

Flood Insurance Made Easy — Quote and Buy Online

With Diamondback Insurance, you can compare real-time quotes, choose the right coverage, and purchase your policy — all online in just minutes.

Get an Instant Quote

FAQs About Alabama Flood Insurance