Hamilton County, Florida Flood Insurance

How to get flood insurance in Hamilton County, Florida

Hamilton County is near Florida’s border with Georgia, a proximity that’s earned the region the nickname “Florida's Front Porch.” The Suwannee River borders the eastern and southern portions of Hamilton County while the Withlacoochee River borders the county's western portion. But one river in particular makes Hamilton County unique.

The Alapaha River runs from Georgia through Hamilton County, traveling south to the Suwannee River. When the Alapaha River meets Hamilton County, it travels underground and remains dry for a large portion of the year.

Hamilton County's various ponds, lakes, and bays only add to the flooding threats that the county faces from its major rivers. While the county is inland, about 25% of flood claims occur outside of high-risk flood zones.

Flood insurance is a smart investment in this area. Let’s see how much flood insurance costs, who needs it, and what it covers.

Hamilton County flood insurance costs

On average, our flood insurance costs $127 a year for Hamilton County. By contrast, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) average premium for this region is $485 a year. Put another way, homeowners may save an average of $358 per year when purchasing Florida flood insurance through us instead of buying a separate flood insurance policy from the NFIP.

Kin vs. NFIP average flood insurance premiums

These figures are averages and are meant to give you a ballpark idea of how much coverage may cost in your area. The only way to know for sure what you’ll pay for flood insurance is to get a quote. Contact us – it only takes a few minutes!

Your rate will largely depend on your home’s flood zone and safety features. Let’s take a look at which flood zones in Hamilton County require flood insurance.

Hamilton County Flood Zones

Flood Factor and FEMA’s maps are two ways to figure out your home’s flood zone. Flood Factor offers a snapshot of your home's flood history and projected flood risk; FEMA’s flood zone map for Hamilton County offers a more technical glimpse at flood risks in the region.

FEMA shows there are a number of high-risk flood zones in Hamilton County. The areas most at risk for flooding are near the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers, designated as either A or AE flood zones. If your home is in one of these zones, you’re required to have flood insurance for your property if you have a federally backed-mortgage.

Flood zone A has a 1% annual chance of flooding with no determined base flood elevation (the height to which flood waters are expected to rise). AE flood zones also have a 1% chance of flooding with a determined BFE. BFE indicates the lowest level you can build property so it's not heavily damaged by flooding.

What Hamilton County flood insurance covers

Where you buy your flood insurance matters. It dictates how much coverage you can get and how quickly you can get it.

While both Kin and the NFIP flood insurance policies cover water damage from storm surges, rising waters, broken water mains, groundwater seepage, and mudslides, there are some noteworthy differences.

NFIP coverage only covers your home up to $250,000 and your belongings up to $100,000. Our flood coverage matches your home insurance policy’s limits for your dwelling, personal property, and other structures.

It also allows you to:

• Add flood insurance to your home insurance policy instead of juggling two separate policies.
• Have one premium and deductible for home and flood insurance.
• Work with one company for home and flood insurance questions and claims.
• Skip the elevation certificate.
• Get covered immediately (the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period).

As a bonus, our rates are cheaper than the NFIP for 71% of Florida homeowners.

Reducing Hamilton County flood risks

Florida experiences 54 inches of rainfall each year on average, meaning floods are a risk no matter where you live. Understanding your home's flood risks can help you prepare for an emergency and take steps to lower your home's risk of flooding.

For example, 26% of properties in Jasper, Florida, are at risk of flooding. If your home is among them, you can make your home more flood-resistant and potentially lower your flood insurance rate.

You might lower your home's risk for flooding by:

• Moving water-sensitive equipment above the property’s BFE.
• Keeping up on property repairs.
• Updating your valves so water flows out properly.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, so make a disaster preparedness plan to keep your home and family safe.