Flood insurance in Oakland County, Michigan

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
1,465
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$662
$246 below the Michigan average
Claims paid since 1978
$5.5M
across 582 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
47%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Oakland County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2023, with $1.2 million paid on 33 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE0%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE47%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C53%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 52% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Oakland County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Flooding198155$175 thousand
Hurricane Ike20088$69 thousand
2026-04-Flooding20261$55 thousand
Flooding19854$11 thousand
Flooding19861$0

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Oakland County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
48334184$73793$1.8 million
48336123$74740$201 thousand
4808394$1,10334$122 thousand
4800993$71922$65 thousand
4830461$82917$790 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Oakland County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Oakland County costs about $662 a year. The Michigan average is $908. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Oakland County?

There are about 1,465 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Oakland County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Oakland County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Oakland County have filed 582 flood claims, with $5.5 million paid out. 138 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 Michigan