Flood insurance in New York County, New York

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
14,912
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$3,822
$2,281 above the New York average
Claims paid since 1978
$120.8M
across 1,498 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
33%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in New York County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2012, with $111.6 million paid on 669 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 / AE33%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C67%
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 New York County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Sandy2012667$111.6 million
Hurricane Ida202195$1.9 million
December Storm - Nor'easter199243$1.3 million
Hurricane Irene201163$947 thousand
Late-September New York Flooding202325$811 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in New York County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
102802,608$15,15520$254 thousand
100131,604$5,609144$12.6 million
100111,561$6,251119$11.8 million
100161,170$6,68459$10.0 million
100021,139$3,07232$1.7 million
10014914$4,31092$16.7 million
10004893$5,34446$11.9 million
10006826$7,63724$2.6 million
10282715$7,0053$0
10007575$3,71332$1.8 million
10029547$2,34099$1.9 million
10009400$2,391138$11.3 million
10017381$1,53630$538 thousand
10005290$4,72733$6.1 million
10021249$3,48652$1.3 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in New York County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in New York County costs about $3,822 a year. The New York average is $1,541. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in New York County?

There are about 14,912 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in New York County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does New York County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in New York County have filed 1,498 flood claims, with $120.8 million paid out. 188 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 New York