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Everyone Can Purchase Flood Insurance
Damage caused by the 1997 Spring Creek flood
There is a 30-day waiting period before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage takes effect. Most standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Do not wait for flood damage to occur.
Flood insurance is required by lenders for properties in Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA designated floodplains (Poudre River, Dry Creek, Spring Creek, Cooper Slough, and Boxelder Creek).
Although there is not a federal mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement in the City designated floodplains, some lending institutions may choose to require it.
Flood Insurance Discount up to 40 Percent
Flood insurance is recommended for properties in areas that have the potential for flooding. Fort Collins Utilities participates in the NFIP's Community Rating System (CRS). Therefore, as of May 2016, Fort Collins residents may receive up to a 40 percent discount on their flood insurance premiums, one of the lowest rates in the country. Fort Collins is one of only five communities in the nation to receive a Class 2 rating or higher, as well as the only community recognized in FEMA Region VIII.
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
Flood Insurance Rate Changes
In July 2012, Congress passed the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 that will result in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) raising rates to reflect true flood risk and making the flood insurance program more financially stable. The changes will mean premium increases for approximately 20% of flood insurance policyholders over time.
Learn more about the NFIP and recent changes.