It's a good idea to have your flood insurance through the company that provides your homeowners' or your business' private insurance.  If your agent does not write flood insurance or you do not have an agent, contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 1-888-435-6637 or http://www.floodsmart.gov/.

Flood insurance can be purchased at any time. However, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy can become effective.

Mecklenburg County participates in the NFIP, making homeowners eligible to purchase flood insurance if their property is in the floodplain or not.  Because of on-going efforts by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services to update flood maps, educate citizens and maintain a safe storm drainage system, Mecklenburg County residents get a discount of up to 25% on their flood insurance premiums.

If you are buying a house or other building that has flood insurance coverage, talk to your insurance agent about having the flood insurance policy "assigned" to you by the seller so that the coverage is continuous. 

Cost of flood insurance

The major factors that determine how much you'll pay for flood insurance are:

1. If the property is located in a FEMA floodplain
2. If the structure was built before there were floodplain maps
3. If the floor of any part of the building's living area is likely to be under water in a "100-year flood"
4. Amount of insurance coverage
5. Deductible

Common information your flood insurance agent will need:

• Date of construction (date of the original building permit)
• Completed FEMA elevation certificate
• The dates of any substantial renovations, additions and/or damage (valued at greater than 50% of the market value of the building prior to the substantial improvement or damage).

Learn more about flood insurance zones

Who should buy flood insurance?

For more information about flood insurance, contact Mecklenburg County Floodway Administrator Bill Tingle at 704-336-3734 or Bill.Tingle@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.