Floodsmart.gov The official site of the National Flood Insurance Program
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- Map Changes and Flood Insurance
- Newly Mapped Procedure
- Grandfathering
- Converting Your Policy
- Living Near a Levee
- Flood Map Update Schedule
Grandfathering for Property Owners
If a new flood map shows your high-risk property is at greater risk for flooding than shown on the previous map, your flood insurance rates will likely change. However, the NFIP Grandfather Rule may save you money by locking in the previous flood zone or the Base Flood Elevation for insurance rating purposes after the new map becomes effective.
Grandfathering applies to structures built after the community‘s first flood map was issued if:
- You purchase a policy before the new maps take effect, or
- You provide proof that your home was built in compliance with the flood map that was in effect at the time of construction. Your insurance agent can help produce the necessary documentation.
Grandfathering also applies to structures built before the community’s first flood map was issued, but only if you have a policy in place before the new map takes effect. Your insurance agent can help determine this for you.
Depending on a structure’s elevation, there may be cases where using the new flood map to rate your policy may result in a lower premium than grandfathering. Be sure that your insurance agent checks all options.
Learn more about what happens when maps change.
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What's My Flood Risk?
Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to locate your flood map to help determine your flood risk.
500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
Disaster Assistance: (800) 621-FEMA, TTY (800) 462-7585
U.S. Department of Homeland Security