Hernando County, Florida Flood Insurance

Hernando County flood insurance costs, flood zones, and tips

Hernando County is located in the central portion of Florida’s western coast. Residents here are drawn to the area’s natural wonders, like rivers, springs, beaches, and forests. But the other side of the coin is that the area is prone to natural disasters, too, like flooding.

According to Flood Factor, Hernando County is experiencing a big change in extreme rain events compared to its average from 1980 to 2010. The precipitation change map shows that southern portions of Florida are experiencing an uptick in extreme rain events but at a slower rate than Hernando County.

Even with Florida's rising flood risks, we're able to help around 71 percent of Floridians get flood insurance for less than the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Let’s take a look at average flood insurance costs and flood zones for Hernando County, plus tips on how to manage your risk.

Hernando County Flood Insurance costs

Our average flood insurance premium for Hernando County is $391 a year. That’s about a little more than $32 a month for protection that could spare you tens of thousands in water damage costs. Even an inch of standing water in your home can cause approximately $25,000 in damage.

The NFIP’s average flood insurance cost in this area is $506 a year. In other words, you could save $115 a year with Kin.

Kin vs. NFIP average flood insurance premiums

Keep in mind that these figures are meant to give you a ballpark idea of what your coverage may cost. They are by no means definitive. The best way to find out what you’ll pay for flood protection is to contact us for an accurate quote.

Your rates will largely depend on your home’s flood zone.

Are you required to have flood insurance in Hernando County?

FEMA flood zone maps label regions with a letter to indicate an area’s flood risk. Both Zones A and V are high-risk areas that require flood insurance if you have a federally backed mortgage, like an FHA loan.

Hernando County has several VE and A zones along the county's coastline and the eastern border. VE zones are high-risk coastal areas prone to storm waves. Flood zone A has a 1 percent annual chance of flooding.

Here’s a rundown of the high-risk flood zones in Hernando County:

• AE (base flood depths aren’t determined).
• AH (base flood depths are usually 1 to 3 feet in ponding areas).
• AO (base flood depths are usually 1 to 3 feet on sloping terrain).
• VE (coastal zone subject to wave action).

What Hernando County flood insurance covers

Florida flood insurance covers your home for water damage caused by storm surges, rising waters, broken water mains, and more. It can help pay to repair or replace:

• Electrical, cooling, heating, and plumbing systems.
• Appliances.
• Carpeting and window treatments.
• Built-in bookcases and paneling.
• Personal property and valuables.
• A detached garage.
• Foundation, walls, anchorage systems, staircases.

Homeowners can also add on coverage for:

• Debris removal.
• Filling sandbags for temporary leaves.
• Moving property before a flood.
• Home maintenance to mitigate your property's flood risks.

Where you get your flood coverage matters because it determines how much protection you get. For example, the NFIP only covers your home up to $250,000 and your belongings to $100,000. That can leave many homeowners underinsured.

But we match our flood coverage to your homeowners' policy limits. In other words, if you have $400,000 in dwelling coverage, you’d also have $400,000 in flood coverage for your home. Our coverage also protects your belongings and other structures.

As a bonus, you can add our flood coverage to your homeowners' policy so you only have one premium and one deductible. Our coverage is active immediately (no 30-day waiting period like the NFIP), and you don’t need an elevation certificate to be eligible.

How to reduce Hernando County flood risks

Flood insurance is essential for Hernando County homeowners, but it's not the only way to prepare for a flood. Learn about your home’s flood exposure so you have a general sense of what may happen during the course of your mortgage. FEMA and Flood Factor are a good place to start.

For example, on Flood Factor, you can see your home’s current flood risk. You can even look up your ZIP code to get a better understanding of your area’s exposure. For example, 32 percent of all properties in Brooksville are at risk of flooding. That risk is projected to increase by more than 13 percent over the next 30 years.

Next, you can take steps to minimize your home's risk of flooding. You might start by:

• Keeping water-sensitive items out of the basement or crawlspaces.
• Installing foundation vents or a sump pump.
• Apply coatings and sealants to your foundation.
• Installing gate valves on your pipes.
• Grading your lawn away from the house.
• Directing downspouts away from your foundation.

Check out “How to Make a Disaster Preparedness Plan” for tips on how to plan for worst-case scenarios.