Flood insurance in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
How many buildings are insured against floods, what policies cost, and how much FEMA's flood insurance program has paid out, from official NFIP records.
Flood claims paid per year
NFIP claims paid in St. Bernard Parish, 2000–2025
The three costliest years. The worst was 2005, with $2.2 billion paid on 16,719 claims.
Insured buildings by flood zone
Zone not reported for 28% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.
Costliest flood events
Named events by NFIP claims paid in St. Bernard Parish
| Event | Year | Claims | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Katrina | 2005 | 15,984 | $2.2 billion |
| Flooding | 1978 | 1,261 | $9.9 million |
| Hurricane Rita | 2005 | 576 | $9.2 million |
| Flooding | 1980 | 1,069 | $6.4 million |
| Flooding | 1983 | 682 | $5.2 million |
Flood insurance by ZIP code
ZIP codes in St. Bernard Parish with at least 50 policies
| ZIP | Policies | Avg premium | Claims since 1978 | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70043 | 4,465 | $945 | 12,005 | $1.2 billion |
| 70032 | 1,249 | $1,000 | 4,557 | $335.4 million |
| 70075 | 1,212 | $889 | 2,586 | $352.4 million |
| 70092 | 1,119 | $801 | 2,254 | $232.8 million |
| 70085 | 954 | $1,032 | 2,367 | $151.3 million |
Common questions
How much does flood insurance cost in St. Bernard Parish?
The average NFIP flood insurance policy in St. Bernard Parish costs about $935 a year. The Louisiana average is $1,039. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.
How many homes have flood insurance in St. Bernard Parish?
There are about 9,037 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in St. Bernard Parish, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.
How often does St. Bernard Parish flood?
Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in St. Bernard Parish have filed 23,919 flood claims, with $2.2 billion paid out. 281 of those claims were in the last 10 years.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
No. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude flood damage. You need a separate flood policy from the NFIP or a private insurer.
How long until a new flood policy starts?
NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buying when a storm is already forecast is normally too late. Exceptions apply, for example when a lender requires the policy at closing.
How to get flood insurance
Most flood policies are sold through the National Flood Insurance Program by regular insurance agents. Ask the agent who handles your home or car insurance, or find one through FloodSmart.gov, FEMA's official flood insurance site. Private flood insurers also sell policies in many areas and are worth comparing.