How Much Is Flood Insurance in Idaho? Average Flood Insurance Cost and Coverage

Homeowners and renters insurance generally don’t cover floods. The average flood insurance cost in Idaho varies based on factors including flooding frequency, the size of the county and individual risk factors (i.e., elevation, building structure and age).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends getting flood insurance even if you live in a low-risk flood zone since even an inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage. You can find out if your home is in a flood zone by looking at a flood zone map for Idaho.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Cost of Flood Insurance in Idaho
• Flood Insurance Companies in Idaho
• Flood Insurance Coverage
• Flood Insurance Cost Factors in Idaho
• Do You Need Flood Insurance?
• Idaho Flood Insurance FAQs

MoneyGeek found that the flood insurance cost in Idaho averages around $812 annually. The number of flood-prone areas in your state, as well as property risks, contribute to how much flood insurance costs. In areas with moderate to high flood risks, rates are usually higher.

Flood insurance cost in Idaho is about $45 more than the national average since it covers areas that are more likely to flood.

Idaho's cheapest flood insurance rate is roughly $532 in Jerome County, while its most expensive rate is around $1,793 in Gooding County.

You can view the different flood insurance costs by county in the table below.

You can purchase flood insurance from the NFIP or a private company. Private insurers offer either a base policy or an excess policy. The former covers flood claims up to a certain amount, while the latter provides additional coverage if a claim exceeds the primary limit.

If your NFIP coverage does not meet your needs or you live outside the NFIP's service area, you should consider a private insurer.

Partnerships with the NFIP allow several insurance companies to offer flood insurance. In the following table, you will find their contact information as well as company details.

A flood insurance policy can be purchased without any special requirements. You can contact your home insurance agent or the NFIP at 877-336-2627. Due to a 30-day waiting period, it’s wise to sign up as soon as possible.

A private insurance company can also be a good option for flood insurance. For private purchases, the waiting period is usually 10 days. Check with your provider for more details.

Both the contents and the structure of the building are protected by flood insurance. Remember that the smallest amount of water can cause $25,000 in damage in a flood zone.

Flood insurance does not cover vehicles, swimming pools, decks, basement items or landscaping are not covered by this type of policy.

You can use the building coverage of your flood insurance to fix or replace the physical structure of your home after a covered peril it. NFIP coverage extends up to $250,000.

There are several types of building coverages for floods, including:

• Foundation walls
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
• Built-in appliances
• Permanent carpets
• Built-in furniture

Contents coverage protects personal belongings from loss or damage caused by covered perils. Up to $100,000 can be protected by the NFIP.

There are several items that flood insurance contents coverage may protect, including:

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Electronic equipment
• Washers and dryers
• Artwork

In the past, flood insurance rates were impacted only by your general location and flood risk. Your state's historic floods can be found on the FEMA website.

Bannock County has experienced the most flooding, with 52 events since 1996, according to FEMA's Idaho data. The average annual cost of flood insurance in Bannock County is $1,212.

Counties like Lewis, Camas and Gooding have had the least flooding, with three events each and average costs of $1,153, $1,284 and $1,793, respectively.

Even though Bannock County has had the most flood events, its size has kept it from having the highest premiums.

FEMA introduced Risk Rating 2.0 in October 2021. In addition to flood mapping, it evaluates the risks associated with a building's structure, its foundation, its elevation and its replacement and repair costs.

The new Risk Rating 2.0 adjusts premiums in a more personalized manner than the previous version. However, where you live still affects the cost of flood insurance.

Flood insurance in Idaho is influenced by the factors listed below.

High-risk flood zones require flood insurance if you have a government-backed mortgage. In low and moderate-risk flood zones, FEMA still recommends flood insurance since every home is at risk for flooding.

Typically, flood insurance won't be included in homeowners or renters policies, so you'll have to buy one from the NFIP or privately. Flood insurance claims do not require a presidential disaster declaration. There is a $5,000 limit on federal disaster grants per household, so you may want to buy flood insurance from a private company.

Knowing that you are protected from flooding thanks to insurance is reassuring.

If you still have questions about flood insurance in Idaho, these answers might be able to help.