Flood Zones & Flood Insurance
If you're new to Southwest Louisiana, flood zones and flood insurance may be unfamiliar territory. They are important pieces of information to understand when considering a home here.
The good news? You don't have to figure it out alone. We'll help you know what information to look for and which questions to ask.
What Is a Flood Zone?
FEMA flood maps identify areas according to their estimated level of flood risk. A property's flood-zone designation can affect lender requirements and may be one factor considered when obtaining flood insurance.
But a flood-zone designation should not be viewed as a guarantee that a property will — or will not — experience flooding.
Flood zones show mapped risk. They don't tell the entire story.
Flooding can occur outside higher-risk flood zones. That's why buyers should look at all available information about a property rather than relying on the flood-zone designation alone.
Flood Zone Letters You'll See.
You may encounter several FEMA flood-zone designations while searching for a home in Southwest Louisiana.
Zone X
Generally represents an area of lower or moderate mapped flood risk compared with Special Flood Hazard Areas.
A federally regulated lender may not require flood insurance based solely on this designation, but that does not mean the property has no flood risk.
Zone AE
Generally identifies an area within FEMA's Special Flood Hazard Area where base flood elevations have been determined.
Flood insurance may be required when a property with a federally backed mortgage is located in this type of higher-risk area.
Other Designations
Other flood-zone designations may appear depending on the property's location and the applicable FEMA flood map.
Always verify the current designation for the specific property you're considering.
Not Required Doesn't Mean No Risk.
Depending on the property, flood zone and type of financing, your lender may not require you to carry flood insurance.
That does not mean the home cannot flood.
Required by Your Lender?
Certain properties located in FEMA-designated high-risk flood areas may require flood insurance as a condition of a federally backed mortgage.
Not Required?
Many homeowners choose to carry flood insurance even when their lender does not require it.
A licensed insurance professional can help you evaluate available coverage, cost and whether carrying flood insurance makes sense for you.
Homeowners Insurance and Flood Insurance Are Not the Same Thing.
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage caused by flooding.
Flood insurance is separate coverage designed to insure against certain losses caused by flooding, subject to the policy's terms, limits and exclusions.
Don't assume you're covered.
Ask your insurance professional specifically what your homeowners policy covers, what it excludes and what separate flood coverage is available for the property.
Questions Worth Asking.
About the Property
- What is the current FEMA flood-zone designation?
- Is elevation information available?
- Is there available information regarding prior flooding?
- Are there drainage features or waterways nearby?
- Are flood-related disclosures available?
About the Insurance
- Will my lender require flood insurance?
- What flood coverage is available?
- What would coverage cost for this property?
- What are the coverage limits and deductibles?
- What isn't covered?
- Is there a waiting period before coverage begins?
Get the Information Early.
Don't wait until the week before closing to start asking questions about flood insurance.
Once you're seriously considering a property, talk with a licensed insurance professional about the specific home. Understanding coverage options and potential costs early can help you make a more informed buying decision.
Local Knowledge Makes a Difference.
Your CENTURY 21 Bessette Flavin agent can help you locate available flood-zone and property information, understand which questions you should be asking and connect you with local professionals who can provide property-specific guidance.
We won't tell you whether a property will flood or which insurance policy you should purchase.
We will help make sure you know that these are important questions to ask.
New Area. New Questions.
Local People to Help.
Understanding flood zones is just one part of learning how to buy a home in Southwest Louisiana.
You've Got People Here.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only. Flood maps, flood-zone designations, insurance requirements and coverage may change and vary by property. CENTURY 21 Bessette Flavin and its real estate licensees do not provide flood-risk, insurance, legal or financial advice. Buyers should verify current flood-zone information and consult FEMA, their lender, a licensed insurance professional and other appropriate experts regarding a specific property.
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