Across Charlotte-Mecklenburg and the United States, many people with flood insurance policies are seeing their cost (premiums) increase.

This flood insurance information is provided as a courtesy to residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The best sources of information about any changes to flood insurance rates are:
  • your flood insurance agent
  • the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • the National Flood Insurance Program (operated by FEMA)

Fact Sheet about the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (FEMA document)

What to Expect - Changes to National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA document)

Additional FEMA information about the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012

Congress voted to raise rates to reflect actual flood risk
The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act was approved by Congress and signed by the President in 2012. It will eliminate many flood insurance subsidies and increase flood insurance rates for many policyholders. Many of the rate increases will be phased in over a number of years. The new rates will reflect the full flood risk of an insured building.

Each flood insurance policy is unique. We suggest you contact your flood insurance agent to learn when your rates may change and how much they may increase.

First properties to be affected by the change
The policyholders seeing flood insurance rate increases in 2013 include:
   • business properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area (mapped floodplain)
   • properties classified as "severe repetitive loss"
   • homes in the Special Flood Hazard Area that are not the owner's primary residence.

Increases will range from $0 for properties already paying actuarial rates up to 25 percent per year until the policy reflects the full risk rate.

Rates will likely change upon your policy renewal date.

Discounts still apply
Because of participation in the Community Rating System, flood insurance rates for property in the regulated floodplain will still be discounted by:
   • 25% in the City of Charlotte
   • 20% in the Town of Pineville and unincorporated Mecklenburg County.

More about local flood insurance rate discounts