In this video, we answer a common flood insurance question: are elevation certificates a waste of money? While elevation certificates are often required documents, their value depends on the property’s flood zone, construction type, and current flood insurance rating rules.
Why Elevation Certificates Matter for Flood Insurance
Elevation certificates show how a building’s elevation compares to the Base Flood Elevation, which can directly impact flood insurance costs. In higher-risk flood zones, this document may help support more accurate rating and pricing.
When an Elevation Certificate May Not Be Worth the Cost
Not all properties benefit financially from an elevation certificate. Homes outside high-risk flood zones or those rated using updated insurance methods may see little to no premium reduction, leading homeowners to question its value.
FEMA Guidelines and Changing Rating Methods
Flood insurance requirements are shaped by FEMA flood maps and regulations, which can change over time. These updates may reduce how much an elevation certificate influences insurance pricing, depending on the property’s location and risk profile.
Making the Right Decision
At The Flood Insurance Guru, we help homeowners and real estate professionals understand when elevation certificates provide real benefits and when they may not impact flood insurance costs.
Watch the video to learn whether an elevation certificate is truly worth the investment for your property.
