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Flood Insurance#

Flooding on West Oak Street

2018 flooding in Old Town due to a rain and hail storm.

Did you know that your regular homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover floods? Or that 30% of flood insurance claims come from outside the mapped floodplain?

Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home.

Here are a few useful tips regarding flood insurance from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

  • There is usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
  • Flood insurance is required by lenders for properties in Federal Emergency Management-designated floodplains (Poudre River, Spring Creek, Dry Creek, Boxelder Creek, and Cooper Slough)
  • Flood insurance is available to everyone in Fort Collins!
  • Renters can purchase flood insurance.

There are also private flood insurance options.

Learn more about flood insurance

Elevation Certificates#

Elevation Certificates are available for some properties. These certificates are used in a FEMA-designated floodplain to help rate a property when purchasing flood insurance.

Search for Elevation Certificates

FEMA’s Community Rating System#

Fort Collins residents and businesses receive up to a 40% discount on flood insurance premiums due the proactive efforts of the City of Fort Collins to reduce flood risk.  Fort Collins participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System (CRS).  Fort Collins has been awarded a CRS Class 2 rating  one of only nine communities nationwide to receive this rating or higher.

Ask your flood insurance agent about the CRS Discount! 

The CRS encourages floodplain management efforts that exceed the minimum requirements of the NFIP and recognizes:

  • public outreach
  • floodplain mapping
  • higher regulatory standards
  • open space preservation
  • drainage system maintenance
  • watershed master planning
  • hazard mitigation planning
  • flood warning and response

Although Fort Collins has achieved this high CRS ranking, it does not mean that there are not still areas at risk for flooding. There is additional work to be done to minimize flood risk and make Fort Collins more resilient to flooding


Did You Know?

Stormwater Master Planning helps protect people, property and the environment against flooding, erosion and water quality problems caused by runoff.

The Efficiency Works store sells water- and energy-saving products, including LED lighting, smart thermostats and showerheads.