When you are ready to purchase a flood insurance policy, talk to your agent. He or she will provide expert guidance and offer detailed information about your coverage options.

Throughout this process, your agent will examine several variables and may talk to a variety of resources in order to select a policy that best meets your needs.

Your agent may ask you for an Elevation Certificate, particularly if your property is located in a high-risk area. You can obtain an Elevation Certificate from the previous homeowner, a community official, a certified engineer, or surveyor. Find more information and a sample copy of an Elevation Certificate on the NFIP Web site.

If you don’t have an agent and would like to find an agent in your area, fill out the Flood Risk Profile to the left.

Keep the following questions in mind as you decide with your agent which flood insurance coverage is right for you.

• Does my community participate in the National Flood Insurance Program?
• Can you confirm which flood zone I live in?
• Does my community participate in the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS)?
• If so, does my community's CRS rating mean that I qualify for a CRS rating discount?
• What exactly will be covered in case of flood damage? What won’t be covered?
• How will my premium costs be affected by choosing coverage for building only, contents only or building and contents?
• How will my premium costs be affected if I choose a higher deductible?
• What is the policy fee?
• Are there additional expenses or fees I should be aware of?
• What is covered by Replacement Cost and what is covered by Actual Cash Value only?