The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by the FEMA and is delivered to the public by a network of more than 50 insurance companies and the NFIP Direct.
Floods can happen anywhere — just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business, your possessions.
The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses, and having this coverage helps them recover faster when floodwaters recede. The NFIP works with communities required to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that help mitigate flooding effects.
Flood insurance is available to anyone living in one of the 23,000 participating NFIP communities. Homes and businesses in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders are required to have flood insurance.
For more information about what’s covered and to find a policy visit FloodSmart.gov.
To purchase flood insurance, call your insurance company or insurance agent, the same person who sells your home or auto insurance. If you need help finding a provider go to FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider or call the NFIP at 877-336-2627.
Plan ahead as there is typically a 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect, unless the coverage is mandated it is purchased as required by a federally backed lender or is related to a community flood map change.
FloodSmart.gov
Become a Seller and Servicer
FEMA administers the NFIP and it is a partnership between the federal government, the property and casualty insurance industry, states, local officials, lending institution, and property owners.
Each year, more than 50 private insurance companies participate in the Write-Your-Own (WYO) program selling and servicing NFIP policies through their insurance agents.
FEMA retains responsibility for underwriting flood insurance coverage sold under that program and by the NFIP Direct. There are more than five million policyholders nationwide and the NFIP is the nation’s largest single-line insurance program providing nearly $1.3 trillion in coverage against flood.
NFIP Direct
NFIP offers a wide range of publications, videos, graphics and online tools that help policyholders, agents and other servicers navigate the flood insurance process before, during and after disaster. Digital resources can be downloaded, and certain print publications can be ordered for free.
Find an Insurance Form
Insurance Outreach Publications
We provide reports on the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) financials and offer guidance on conducting daily operations for existing and new NFIP sellers and servicers. Find information on the Write-Your-Own program, reinsurance, Risk Rating 2.0, plus the Flood Insurance Manual and other tools.
View All Programs and Tools
Congress established the NFIP on August 1, 1968, with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA) of 1968, which has been modified over the years.
Learn about legislative changes to and the future of the National Flood Insurance Program.
See Rules & Legislation
Find resources members of the media can use ahead of flood events. Access the history of the NFIP, facts about the program, information on flooding and flood risk, guidelines for using the logo, and more.
Media Toolkit
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( A locked padlock ) or // means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites..
You can pay your insurance premium with a credit card (American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Master Card or Visa) or with cash, check or money order. Your premium may be paid through an escrow account established by your mortgage lender, at your lender's discretion. If your lender requires you to buy flood insurance and escrows for other types of insurance or taxes, they are required to also escrow flood insurance premium payments. Your payment for coverage is due to your agent with your application. For details, ask your insurance agent or lender. Don't see your question? Go to the NFIP’s Answers to Questions.
Flood Insurance Maps & Information
Make a payment to FEMA if you have received a notice for:
- Disaster-related assistance
- Travel
- Temporary housing
- Other (jury duty, FOIA, etc.)
Please note these payments are not for: flood insurance premiums, Small Business Administration loans or National Finance Center debts.
| Online | Go to www.pay.gov and enter "FEMA" in search box. |
| Online Bill Payment | (ACH) Individuals can log into their personal bank account and issue an electronic payment to FEMA. 1. Log into your online bank account. 2. Select Bill Pay option. 3. Choose FEMA and follow instructions on the screen. 4. If applicable, include your Registration ID or other identifying number provided on correspondence. |
| Check or Money Order Payable to FEMA – Regular Mail | FEMAP.O. Box 6200-16 Portland, OR 97228-6200 |
| Check or Money Order Payable to FEMA – Overnight Mail, Courier Payments (i.e., UPS, DHS, and FedEx) | US BANK - Government LockboxAttn: DHS-FEMA - 6200-1617650 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97230 |
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( A locked padlock ) or // means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites..
Contact your agent or lender to renew or update your policy.
Your flood insurance policy does not automatically renew – you must renew every year.
Look for renewal reminders from your insurance company and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the weeks leading up to your policy expiration date.
You can also check your policy declaration form or call your agent to know when it is time to renew your policy.