Flood insurance in Plymouth County, Massachusetts

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.

Policies as of 5 September 2026Source: FEMA OpenFEMA
Active flood policies
8,223
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,602
$97 below the Massachusetts average
Claims paid since 1978
$153.2M
across 10,959 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
87%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Plymouth County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2018, with $21.6 million paid on 731 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE18%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE69%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C13%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 34% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Plymouth County

EventYearClaimsPaid
The "Halloween" Storm19912,089$47.9 million
Hurricane Bob19911,114$19.8 million
December Storm - Nor'easter19921,103$9.4 million
Flooding1978862$8.6 million
Flooding1987628$2.5 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Plymouth County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
020451,890$2,0072,369$17.5 million
020661,262$1,3983,196$60.9 million
020501,232$1,2711,394$20.3 million
02571928$1,737642$8.6 million
02739565$1,934458$6.7 million
02738393$1,836181$2.9 million
02360385$1,344290$7.9 million
02332223$1,671429$6.4 million
02047181$1,294517$7.2 million
02043178$1,326140$1.3 million
02301166$1,354256$1.4 million
02558138$1,994135$1.9 million
0230283$1,33883$676 thousand
0253864$1,4517$46 thousand
0202061$1,504182$2.6 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Plymouth County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Plymouth County costs about $1,602 a year. The Massachusetts average is $1,699. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Plymouth County?

There are about 8,223 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Plymouth County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Plymouth County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Plymouth County have filed 10,959 flood claims, with $153.2 million paid out. 858 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.

Other counties in Massachusetts