Pretty much everyone lives in a place that is at some risk of flooding. What really matters most is whether you live in a low-risk, high-risk, or moderate-risk flood zone. FEMA determines flood zones and labels them using a letter system, which our experts at HBW Insurance Group in Columbia, MD, explain here.

Flood Zone Definitions

Each letter represents a different risk level of flooding, and those are listed below.

Zone D

Zone D areas are those in which the flood risk has yet to be determined due to the lack of a flood hazard analysis. Companies set rates proportionate to this uncertainty.

Zone A

Zone A defined areas have a higher than average risk of flooding. Should you live or have a business in Zone A and your region participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA), you’ll be required to buy one of these policies if you have a federally backed loan.

Zones V and VE

Zones V and VE are situated in coastal regions that are at high risk of flooding due to heavy rains and storm waves. FEMA estimates that these zones have a 26% chance of flooding over the next 30 years.

Zone B & X

Zones B and X are rated as moderate flood hazard areas. B and X Zones fall between the limits of 100-year floods and 500-year floods. Zone B is often used to declare base flood plains with fewer hazards and shallow flooding that reaches depths of 1 foot or less.

Zone C & X

Zones C and X have minimal risk of flooding and are above the 500-year flood range. Zone C may experience drain problems and ponding. Zone X is outside the 500-year range and is protected from 100-year floods due to a levee.

Don’t Get Flooded Out

Be prepared to face the flood risks of your location. To minimize your chances of flooding, you might even choose a region based on its flood rating. To find out more, contact HBW Insurance Group in Columbia, MD, today.