Illinois Flood Insurance

Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates and Companies in Illinois

Illinois is bordered by Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, giving residents and business owners a unique concern about flooding after heavy rains or snowmelt. With the increased risk of flooding in the state, it's critical to have the right coverage for your property. You can only get the protection you need from Illinois flood insurance. 

Luckily, a local independent insurance agent in Illinois can help you get set up with the right flood insurance policy for your property, whether it's residential or commercial. They know which insurance companies sell the best flood insurance in Illinois. But first, here's a closer look at Illinois flood insurance requirements, coverage, average costs, and more. 

Key Takeaways - Illinois Flood Insurance

• Flood insurance in Illinois can reimburse you for the cost of natural flood damage to a property's contents, foundation, and structure.
• The average cost of flood insurance in Illinois is $1,014 per year, or approximately $85 per month.
• Flood insurance rates in Illinois are more expensive than the current national average of $899 per year or approximately $75 per month.
• You might be required to have flood insurance in Illinois if you have a mortgage or your property is located in a high-risk flood zone.
• Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can tailor a policy to your unique property and coverage needs.

The Best Flood Insurance Companies in Illinois

You can buy flood insurance from several different private insurance companies in Illinois. These are our top recommendations for outstanding Illinois flood insurance carriers:

• Central Insurance: This carrier offers flood insurance, along with a wide variety of other personal and business insurance options. Central Insurance has excellent official ratings, offers 24/7 claims reporting, and has great customer feedback.
• REInsure Pro: This carrier offers flood insurance and many types of personal insurance products. REInsure Pro works with independent insurance agents and offers fast claims responses.
• Progressive: This carrier also offers flood insurance, along with several other personal and business insurance products. Progressive has an excellent financial strength rating from AM Best, offers many discounts, and provides 24/7/365 customer service.

Working with a local independent insurance agent is a great way to get set up with the best flood insurance in Illinois. 

How to buy flood insurance in Illinois

You can buy flood insurance in Illinois from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from private insurance companies throughout the state. However, local independent insurance agents in Illinois can make the entire process much easier. These agents have access to multiple Illinois flood insurance companies, so they can shop and compare quotes and coverage options for you. 

Is Flood Insurance Required in Illinois? 

In certain cases, yes, flood insurance can be required in Illinois. If you own property in a high-risk flood zone, flood insurance is often mandatory. You might also be required to have flood insurance if your property has a government-backed mortgage. Regardless of whether coverage is required, having it can be a great idea, since standard homeowners insurance and business insurance policies don't cover natural flood damage to a property, which could lead to potentially catastrophic financial losses without flood insurance. 

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What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Illinois?

Flood insurance in Illinois covers a building's structure, foundation, and contents. This coverage is included whether you purchase your policy from a private flood insurance company or through the Illinois NFIP. Flood insurance breaks down as follows:

• Contents coverage: This pays for natural flood damage to your personal property stored inside the insured building, including the following:
  • Carpets that are not included in building coverage
  • Clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
  • Curtains
  • Freezers and the food in them
  • Clothes washers and dryers
  • Certain valuable items, such as original artwork and furs, up to $2,500
  • Portable and window air conditioners
  • Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
• Buildings coverage: This pays for natural flood damage to a building's structure, including its foundation and all of the following:
  • Fuel tanks, well water tanks and pumps, and solar energy equipment
  • Furnaces and water heaters
  • Permanently installed cabinets, paneling, and bookcases
  • Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances like dishwashers
  • Electrical and plumbing systems
  • Permanently installed carpeting
  • Detached garages
  • Window blinds
  • Foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases

Your Illinois independent insurance agent will help you find all the flood insurance coverage you need in each category to protect your specific property. 

What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Illinois? 

Illinois flood insurance won't protect your vehicles against flood damage. Make sure you have comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy to avoid having to pay for flood damage to your car or truck. In addition, Illinois flood insurance won't cover:

• Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of the insured property
• Preventable damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold
• Property and belongings outside of the insured building, such as walks, decks, patios, fences, trees, plants, wells, septic systems, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools
• Currency, precious metals, and valuable papers such as stock certificates 
• Personal property kept in a basement
• Additional living expenses, such as temporary housing
• Flood damage caused by sewer line breaks or backups*

*If you want protection for your home against flooding caused by sewer backups or line breaks, your independent insurance agent can help you add a sewer backup endorsement to your Illinois home insurance policy.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Illinois?

Illinois flood insurance costs an average of $1,014 per year, or approximately $85 per month. This is considerably more expensive than the current national average flood insurance rate of $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month. 

Local flood insurance rates are set by FEMA and the NFIP using the Illinois Flood Insurance Rate Map. Further, Illinois flood insurance rates can be impacted by the following:

• The value of your home’s contents 
• The type of coverage you purchased
• Whether or not your home has a basement
• The deductible and amount of coverage you need
• Your home's flood zone designation
• The location, design, building materials, and age of your home

Your independent insurance agent can help you find the most affordable flood insurance coverage in Illinois.

Illinois Flood Zones

You can get an accurate flood risk assessment for all areas of Illinois on FEMA's official website. The following comprehensive and user-friendly documents are available on FEMA's website:

• Illinois flood zone maps
• Chicago, Illinois flood maps
• Illinois flood zone map PDFS
• Illinois flood plain maps

Your Illinois flood zone designation can influence the cost of your flood insurance premiums. It can be helpful to research your flood zone before shopping for coverage. 

Illinois cities with the highest flood risk

Residents and property owners in Illinois need to be extra cautious about flooding, given the state's proximity to a Great Lake and a major river. If you own property in any of the following cities in Illinois, be prepared with the right flood insurance.

1. South Beloit
2. East Dubuque
3. Hampton
4. Chicago

Flood insurance may be required for properties in these cities. Your Illinois independent insurance agent can help you get set up with the coverage you need. 

The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Illinois

Flood insurance discounts can be found in a couple of different ways in Illinois:

• From FEMA: This organization sometimes offers flood insurance discounts for newly mapped properties and for those in communities that participate in the Community Rating System. These discounts range from 5% to 45%, determined by a property's classification.
• From private flood insurance companies: In Illinois, private flood insurance companies offer various discounts, such as for properties with flood-proofing measures or for individuals affiliated with specific organizations. The available discounts vary by insurer.

Your independent insurance agent can help you find the best Illinois flood insurance discounts to reduce your premium rate. 

How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Illinois

You have three main options to get flood insurance coverage in Illinois:

1. Through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
2. From private flood insurance companies in Illinois
3. By working with local independent insurance agents in Illinois

Your best bet for finding flood insurance from a reliable carrier in Illinois is option three. Independent insurance agents in Illinois know which carriers have a great reputation for offering affordable, quality coverage. They can compare rates from several local flood insurance companies to find the best deal.

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Illinois

Illinois flood insurance claims can be filed with ease when you follow this simple process:

1. Contact your insurance company or agent: After a flood disaster, reach out to your flood insurance company or Illinois independent insurance agent immediately. Be prepared with your insurance information.
2. Prepare for an inspection: Wait to reenter your property until officials declare it's safe to do so. Then, you'll need to prepare a detailed written report and photo or video evidence of all property damage for your insurance company to submit your claim. 
3. Work with your claims adjuster: Your flood insurance company will schedule an in-person visit from a claims adjuster to perform a home inspection to evaluate the damage. This adjuster might be able to provide you with an estimate for reimbursement during their visit. 
4. Receive payment: Your flood insurance carrier will send you the claim payout they agree to based on your claim. It may come as a check in the mail or a direct deposit into your bank account. The amount you receive depends on your coverage and the extent of the damage. 

If you file your claim through your Illinois independent insurance agent, they can contact your carrier on your behalf. Your agent can also keep you updated throughout the claims process and let you know when you can expect to receive your payout. 

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FAQs About Illinois Flood Insurance