Alachua County is home to Gainesville and the University of Florida. Almost 300-thousand Floridians call this area as home. Residents of Alachua County characterize it as the intersection of nature and culture – a perfect place to lay down roots.
But like anywhere in Florida, floods are still a concern in this centrally located county. Alachua County residents may face less risk of a flood than residents in Monroe County in southeast Florida, but 2020 studies show that it's still at risk for flooding.
How to get flood insurance in Alachua County, Florida
Start by comparing insurance companies. Pay close attention to the fine print. Besides the total amount covered and the insurance premium, are the things that are exempt from coverage? Are there ways for you to make updates to your home to save money on flood insurance? Select a few companies and get flood insurance quotes for your area in Alachua County.
You can’t purchase flood insurance straight from the National Flood Insurance Program, but you can from us. Get a quote today!
Alachua County flood insurance costs
Have you ever wondered why Florida flood insurance is so expensive?
Homes in Florida are vulnerable to floods and other hazards like windstorms. We’re proud to offer a private market alternative that’s more affordable than NFIP plans for most Floridians. Instead of buying a separate flood policy, you can easily add flood coverage as an endorsement to your homeowners' policy.
Adding flood coverage as an endorsement means you pay one premium for your home and flood insurance. Your all-other peril (AOP) deductible applies to both flood and home insurance claims.
The chart below shows how our average flood insurance rates compare to NFIP rates in both Alachua County and all of Florida.
Average flood insurance premiums
Kin average premium for Florida |
NFIP average premium for Florida |
Kin average premium for Alachua County |
NFIP average premium for Alachua County |
$225 |
$563 |
$128 |
$492 |
Curious to see what you’ll pay for flood insurance? Contact us for a quick and easy quote.
Remember, your costs may vary depending on your home’s exact flood zone.
Flood zones in Alachua County
Your home’s flood zone has a big impact on how much your flood coverage will be. Here are the flood zones in Alachua County:
- Zone A (100-year floodplain, no BFEs determined).
- Zone AE (100-year floodplain with BFEs determined).
- Zone AO (100-year floodplain with sheet flow/BFEs determined).
- Zone X (Outside 100-year and 500-year floodplain).
BFE means “base flood elevation,” or how high water may rise if there’s a flood. A 100-year floodplain means there’s a one percent chance of flooding occurring annually at or above base elevation. A 500-year floodplain is even less likely to experience a flood than a 100-year floodplain.
If you look at a flood zone map of Alachua County, you’ll notice a lot of red – that means there are a lot of zone A regions or areas with a high risk of flooding.
Now that you know why flood insurance is so important in Alachua County, let’s take a look at how our flood insurance can protect your home.
What Alachua County flood insurance covers
Flood insurance protects you when your home or belongings are damaged by floodwaters. It can help pay to repair or replace:
- Electrical heating, cooling, and plumbing systems.
- Household appliances.
- Carpeting and window treatments.
- Detached garages.
- Built-in bookcases, cabinets, and paneling.
- Foundation, walls, and stairs.
- Personal property.
- High-value items (artwork, furs).
Broken water mains can result in groundwater seepage, mudslides, and flooding. Flood insurance can cover you in these instances, too. Our flood coverage insures your home, other structures, and personal property for their replacement cost up to the limits of your homeowners' policy.
Because flooding is the most common US natural disaster, it’s smart to take steps to lower your home's risk for flooding.
Tips to lower flood risks in Alachua County, FL
Reducing your home's risk of experiencing flood damage can help prevent claims and keep your coverage affordable. Here are a few ways you can reduce your home’s risk for flooding:
- Assess your home’s risk of flooding.
- Keep your belongings above the property’s BFE.
- Keep your property in good shape.
Check out more ways to reduce flood risks!
Some homeowners may not be aware of their home’s flood history and exposure. Flood Factor is a website that supplies homeowners with information on their home’s past floods, current risks, and future projections through peer-reviewed research. Check it out!
Learn about flood insurance where you live