This page contains references and links to assist insurance professionals and lenders in locating and obtaining effective flood maps, preliminary flood hazard data and other pertinent flood hazard mapping information that are of interest to insurance professionals and financial lenders.
- How to View and Obtain Flood Maps
- View Preliminary Flood Hazard Data
- Products, Services and Publications
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Fast Facts
- Other Resources
- For More Information
As part of the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is the cornerstone of the nation's strategy for reducing the financial and physical impact of flood disasters.
Congress mandated federally regulated lenders to require flood insurance for all buildings located in a high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) that have a mortgage. Because insurance agents agree to sell and service flood insurance to property owners, both agents and lenders are an important part of this strategy.
To keep up with the latest developments in Flood Hazard Mapping, please visit What's New in Flood Hazard Mapping.
How to View and Obtain Flood Maps
You may view and download the effective maps and other NFIP products through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Your local Community Map Repository, usually located in the planning and zoning office, also has copies of flood maps. Please contact the FEMA Map Information eXchange, toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or email a Map Specialist at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com to determine the location of your Community Map Repository.
View Preliminary Flood Hazard Data
Preliminary flood hazard data provide an early look at your home or community’s risk to flood hazards. There are many benefits to viewing your community’s data before it becomes effective. For more information, visit the Preliminary Flood Hazard Data page.
Products, Services and Publications
FEMA has developed pages containing information more specifically designed for Insurance Professionals and Lenders. Additionally, the FloodSmart site contains a great deal of useful information and offers free and convenient agents-only resources, tools and services
- Need some advice with your insurance question? Send an e-mail to Ask the Expert. If you have mapping related questions, contact the FEMA Map Information eXchange.
- Research, View and Download NFIP Documents and Regulations:
- Looking for forms or applications? The following resources are available:
- Elevation Certificate Form
- NFIP Flood Insurance Manuals are available to be viewed online
- Flood Hazard Mapping Forms, including
- Flood Proofing Certificate, FEMA 81-65
- Letter of Map Amendment/Revision Application Form, MT-1
- Letter of Map Amendment/Revision Application Form, MT-EZ
- Letter of Map Review (LODR) Instructions
- Letter of Map Revision Application Form, MT-2
- Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form & Instructions, FEMA 81-93
- The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Home page. This website is the premiere resource for all NFIP stakeholders. Information is available for claims adjusters, homeowners, renters, insurance professionals, lenders, state & local officials and surveyors
- NFIP Floodsmart Agent Registration
- NFIP Supply Order Form
- Learn about NFIP Adjuster, Agent and Lender Training.
Keep up with the latest developments and find out What's New in Flood Hazard Mapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to Frequently Asked Questions for Insurance Professionals and Lenders.
Fast Facts
Flood insurance fast facts:
- Currently there are 5.5 million flood insurance policies in force in more than 21,000 communities
- There is generally a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes in to effect
- 20-25% of all claims paid by the NFIP are outside of high-risk areas
Other Resources
Other references that may be helpful:
For More Information
For flood insurance related questions, contact FloodSmart at 1-888-379-9531. For flood mapping-related questions, please contact a Map Specialist at the FEMA Map Information eXchange through the following methods:
- Call (1-877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) Monday through Friday, 8:00 am through 6:30 pm (EST)
- Email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
- Chat with a Map Specialist Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
Insurance professionals and lenders may also subscribe to receive updates on FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping activities via e-mail.