Worried that submitting an elevation certificate might actually backfire on your flood insurance?
Have you heard stories where homeowners paid more after providing one?
Understanding how elevation certificates (ECs) impact your flood insurance premium is essential — especially if you're weighing whether to submit one. This article explores how an EC can sometimes increase your rate and what options may help you avoid that outcome.
Covered in this article:
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What an elevation certificate is and how it works
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Why it might cause your rate to go up
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How to navigate those situations
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A real-life example and key takeaways
What Is an Elevation Certificate (EC)?
An elevation certificate records how high a structure sits in relation to the base flood elevation (BFE). Insurance providers — especially the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — use the data to assess flood risk and determine premiums.
In many cases, an EC can reduce your rate if it shows the structure sits safely above the BFE. But if the numbers don't support that, the opposite effect can occur.
Yes, an EC Can Raise Your Flood Insurance Rate
An elevation certificate can increase your premium if it reveals higher flood exposure.
When an EC shows the finished floor elevation or lowest adjacent grade is close to or below the BFE, the property may be reclassified into a higher-risk category. That change can trigger a higher premium.
For example, in one case, a submitted EC led to an increase of approximately $1,500 per year because the elevation data showed the home was more vulnerable than previously assumed.
When You Might Not Have to Use an EC
Not all situations require submitting an EC — and that flexibility can be advantageous.
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Pre-FIRM structures: Homes built before the effective date of the area's first Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) are often not required to submit an EC for NFIP rating.
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Private flood insurance: Private insurers may use different risk models and underwriting rules, many of which do not depend on elevation certificates.
If an EC leads to a rate increase, it may be possible to avoid using it altogether:
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Keep the existing NFIP rating method (if allowed)
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Compare policies with private flood insurers
What to Do If an EC Raises Your Premium
Here are the steps that can help manage the impact of an EC-driven increase:
1. Determine Structure Classification
Check whether the property is pre-FIRM or post-FIRM. That classification influences whether the EC is necessary for NFIP rating.
2. Clarify Requirements
Confirm with the insurer whether the EC is required for the policy or just requested by a lender. Some lender requirements may still mandate submission, even if not used for rating.
3. Compare Rates
Obtain quotes from both NFIP and private insurers. Private carriers often evaluate flood risk without relying on ECs.
4. Evaluate Mitigation Strategies
If the EC accurately reflects risk, structural improvements like elevating the lowest floor, floodproofing, or regrading can lower both risk and future premiums.
5. Seek Professional Input
Flood insurance specialists can help evaluate whether submitting an EC is the best move based on the property’s specifics and available insurance options.
Why an EC Still Has Value — Even If It Raises the Rate
Even when it results in a higher premium, an EC can still be useful:
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It provides precise data on how the structure relates to flood risk.
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It supports mitigation planning — including elevation projects or retrofitting.
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It can reduce premiums when the structure is above the BFE.
Used strategically, an EC may support both short-term decisions and long-term planning.
Real-World Scenario
In one case, an EC submission led to a premium increase of about $1,500 annually. Because the property was pre-FIRM, the EC wasn’t required for NFIP rating. That flexibility allowed a shift toward private flood insurance and other solutions, ultimately avoiding the higher rate.
Key Takeaways
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Elevation certificates can raise or lower rates — depending on what they reveal.
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Pre-FIRM properties may not need to use an EC, offering more flexibility.
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Private insurers often do not rely on ECs, presenting alternative options.
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Clarify all requirements first — especially from lenders or insurers — before submitting an EC.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, flood insurance decisions involve balancing protection and cost. If there's a chance that an EC could increase the premium, it's worth exploring all available options before submitting it.
Understanding whether an EC is required, how it's used, and what alternatives exist can make a significant difference in managing both flood risk and cost.
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