Flood insurance requirements and premium ratings are based on current, effective flood maps.  In the Greater New Orleans area, the current effective flood maps were adopted an average of 20 years ago and do not reflect current conditions and flood control improvements.  FEMA recommends that all residents in the Greater New Orleans area minimize their flood risk by purchasing flood insurance. 

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance in more than 21,000 communities nationwide who agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management requirements and standards.

The average cost of a flood policy is approximately $600 a year. In moderate to low flood risk areas, coverage can start at just $129 a year.  The NFIP offers cost-savings options, including expanded eligibility for lower-cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) for those newly mapped into a high-risk zone.

Learn more about Flood Insurance at Floodsmart.gov