Maryland Flood Insurance

Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates and Companies in Maryland

Maryland is home to the blue crab, the Chesapeake Bay, and Ocean City, and it also has many rivers and lakes nestled throughout the state. As such, Maryland sees its fair share of natural flooding. 

Luckily, a local independent insurance agent in Maryland can help you find the right type of flood insurance. They know which carriers sell the best coverage at a great rate. But first, here's a deep dive into flood insurance in Maryland, including what it covers and more. 

Key Takeaways - Maryland Flood Insurance

• In Maryland, flood insurance is designed to cover natural flood damage to a property's contents, foundation, and structure.
• The average cost of flood insurance in Maryland is $482 per year, or approximately $40 per month.
• Maryland's average flood insurance rates are considerably cheaper than the current national average of $899 per year or approximately $75 per month.
• In Maryland, flood insurance is often required for properties with mortgages or those located in high-risk flood zones.
• 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 Maryland

You can buy flood insurance from many private carriers in Maryland. These are our top recommendations for the best Maryland flood insurance companies to get you started. 

• Foremost: This carrier sells flood insurance along with an extensive catalog of other insurance products. Foremost has excellent official ratings and offers 24/7 claims reporting.
• Stillwater: This carrier also sells flood insurance and many other types of insurance. Like Foremost, Stillwater also provides 24/7 claims reporting and has excellent official ratings.

Your independent insurance agent can help you compare Maryland flood insurance quotes and policy options from multiple carriers near you.

How to buy flood insurance in Maryland

Flood insurance is available in Maryland from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from private insurance companies. An independent insurance agent in Maryland can help you compare coverage options from several flood insurance companies to find the best deal. 

Is Flood Insurance Required in Maryland? 

Sometimes. Flood insurance is typically required in Maryland if your property has a government-backed mortgage or is located in a high-risk flood zone. Regardless of whether coverage is mandatory or not, having flood insurance can help you avoid potentially catastrophic financial losses after a flooding event. 

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

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Maryland?

In Maryland, flood insurance protects your personal property (contents) as well as the building's structure and foundation against natural flood damage.

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

A local Maryland independent insurance agent can help you find all the flood coverage you need.

What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Maryland? 

Flood insurance in Maryland doesn't cover any vehicles against flood damage, even if it's a natural event. That's why it's critical to add comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy. Further, don't expect any of the following to be covered by flood insurance:

• Personal property kept in a basement
• Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of the insured property
• Currency, precious metals, and valuable papers such as stock certificates 
• Additional living expenses, such as temporary housing
• 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
• Flood damage caused by sewer line breaks or backups*

*If you want this protection for your home, your independent insurance agent can add a sewer backup endorsement to your Maryland homeowners insurance policy. 

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Maryland?

Maryland flood insurance costs an average of $482 per year, or approximately $40 per month. Maryland's average flood insurance rate is considerably less expensive than the current national average flood insurance cost of $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month. 

Local flood insurance rates are set by FEMA and the NFIP using the Maryland Flood Insurance Rate Map. In addition, Maryland flood insurance rates can be affected by these factors:

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

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

Maryland Flood Zones

Your flood zone designation in Maryland can also greatly impact the cost of your coverage. With FEMA's official website, you can gauge an accurate Maryland flood risk assessment for your property. The following comprehensive and user-friendly documents are available on FEMA's website:

• Maryland flood zone maps
• Annapolis, Maryland flood maps
• Maryland flood zone map PDFS
• Maryland flood plain maps

A local independent insurance agent can help you find affordable flood insurance in Maryland. 

Maryland cities and towns with the highest flood risk

Properties in Maryland located near the beach, rivers, or lakes can be more prone to flooding than others. These cities and towns in particular have a heightened risk of flooding:

1. Thurmont
2. Robinwood
3. Frederick
4. Ballenger Creek
5. Walkersville
6. Hagerstown

You might even be required to have flood insurance if you're located in any of these areas. Your Maryland independent insurance agent can help you get set up with the coverage you need. 

The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Maryland

Maryland flood insurance discounts are available from the following sources:

• Private flood insurance companies: You can find several flood insurance discounts from many private insurers in Maryland, such as savings for properties with flood-proofing measures and those built on stilts. Savings options vary by flood insurance company. 
• FEMA: You can also sometimes get flood insurance discounts from FEMA for newly mapped properties and for those in communities that participate in the Community Rating System. These discounts range from 5% to 45% and are set according to a property's classification.

Your independent insurance agent can help you find all the Maryland flood insurance discounts you qualify for. 

How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Maryland

There are three ways to apply for Maryland flood insurance:

1. Though FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
2. From private flood insurance companies in Maryland
3. By working with a local independent insurance agent in Maryland

Maryland independent insurance agents can help you find the right type of flood insurance for your specific property, whether it's residential or commercial. 

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Maryland

Maryland flood insurance claims can be filed with ease if you follow these steps:

1. Contact your insurance company or agent: Report the flood disaster immediately to your carrier or independent insurance agent. They'll need your insurance information and policy number to process your claim.
2. Prepare for an inspection: Wait to reenter your property until officials have declared it's safe. Next, prepare a detailed written report and photo and video evidence of all property damage for your insurer. 
3. Work with your claims adjuster: Your insurance company will schedule a visit from a claims adjuster to perform a home inspection to assess the property damage. You might receive an estimate for your reimbursement during their evaluation. 
4. Receive payment: Finally, either a direct deposit or a mailed claims check will be sent with your payout. The amount you receive depends on your coverage terms and the extent of the property damage. 

Your independent insurance agent can actually file flood insurance claims in Maryland directly through your carrier for you. They can also keep you updated throughout the process and let you know when reimbursement is on the way. 

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 Maryland Flood Insurance