Houston Flood Insurance Elevation Certificate Information

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE INFORMATION

An elevation certificate is where an engineer measures how high above sea level certain parts of your property are. This is put on a report along with other information about your property.

If your property is in the X, B, or C flood zone an elevation certificate (EC) is not required to get a flood policy with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). When your home in a higher risk zone, you may need an EC if your home was built after the NFIP mapped the area. In some cases a certificate is optional and might or might not qualify you for a discounted premium.

Flood zones in higher risk areas will usually list the “base flood elevation” (BFE) for the zone you are in. The elevation certificate will list the “top of bottom floor” (LFE) for your home. When your LFE is higher than the base flood elevation you may qualify for a reduced rate. When your lowest floor elevation is lower than the base flood elevation you premium will be generally more. When your home is elevated above ground level the type of elevation enclosure, and enclosure venting, can affect your premium.

If you are not sure if you need an elevation certificate please check with us before you buy one.

If you do need an EC you should first see if there is one already existing. When buying a home you may be able to get a copy from the current owner. If you already own the home you could check your loan closing papers to see if a certificate is there. When it is necessary to purchase an EC the cost typically ranges from $225 to $500. The price can vary from one company to another so you may want to compare quotes.

Please ask one of our staff members for more information if you have questions about Houston flood insurance, or elevation certificates.

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