Most standard property insurance policies do not cover flood damage. A structure in a flood hazard area has a 26% chance of flood damage during a 30-year mortgage, as compared to a 10 chance of fire. The entire building can be lost with a single flood.

Missoula County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes federally backed flood insurance available for all eligible buildings, whether they are in a floodplain or not. Flood insurance covers direct losses caused by surface flooding, including a river flowing over its banks and local drainage problems. In order to get covered by the NFIP, you need an elevation certificate for your property. The summary of coverage is available online.

Coverage types

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insures buildings, including mobile homes, with two types of coverage - building and contents. Building coverage is for the walls, floors, insulation, furnace, and other items permanently attached to the structure. Contents coverage may be purchased separately, if the contents are in an insurable building. 

If you experience flooding, it is important to start the claims process as soon as you can.

Increased cost of compliance coverage

If a flood damages your property, you may be required by law to bring your home or building up to floodplain management standards. If you have NFIP insurance and the County has declared the building to be substantially damaged, NFIP may provide up to $30,000 of the cost to elevate, flood proof, demolish, or relocate your property in order to comply with floodplain standards. ICC coverage is in addition to the coverage you receive to repair flood damages. However, the total payout on a policy may not exceed $250,000 for residential buildings and $500,000 for nonresidential buildings. Claims for ICC coverage should be initiated through your insurer.

Community Rating System discount

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program administered by FEMA. CRS provides lower insurance premiums under the NFIP due to advanced local floodplain management activities. Missoula County currently maintains a CRS Class 7 rating which automatically reduces flood insurance premiums by 15%.