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November 19th, 2025
2 min read
By Chris Greene
Tired of rising NFIP flood insurance premiums?
Wondering if private flood insurance can truly save you money, or if it’s just a risky shortcut?
You’re not alone. Nearly every Connecticut homeowner facing high NFIP rates asks the same question: Is private flood insurance actually cheaper than the government’s plan?
For most properties in Connecticut, yes, it’s significantly cheaper. In this article, you’ll learn:
How much cheaper private flood insurance really is, based on real data
Why private companies can often beat NFIP pricing
When NFIP might still be your best option
A simple 3-step plan to compare your rates and switch confidently
Let’s cut through the confusion and help you protect your home and your budget.
Connecticut homeowners are seeing their NFIP premiums rise every year under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0. Yet most feel stuck with it, assuming it’s the only compliant option, especially if their mortgage requires coverage.
We analyzed 196 recent Connecticut policies and found the average annual premium for private flood insurance was $1,082, often 30 to 50 percent less than NFIP rates.
| City | NFIP Premium | Private Premium | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford | $2,250 | $1,100 | $1,150 |
| New Haven | $1,980 | $1,200 | $780 |
| Stamford | $3,100 | $1,550 | $1,550 |
These aren’t hypotheticals, these are real savings from our client files.
It seems strange that a for-profit company could offer a better deal than a government-backed plan. But three key reasons make it possible:
Private insurers use AI and granular data to assess your home’s true flood risk, beyond what FEMA’s model can see. They factor in:
Property elevation
Specific foundation type
Nearby flood mitigation, such as levees or drains
Lower risk means lower premium.
Unlike the NFIP, private insurers can decline the highest-risk homes. This lets them focus on moderate-risk properties and reward lower-risk homes with lower prices.
With dozens of private carriers in the market, they must compete on both coverage and price. The NFIP, by contrast, has no competition and no incentive to lower premiums.
Every home is different. Some high-risk properties may still qualify more affordably through the NFIP. But for most Connecticut homes, especially inland or moderate-risk, private options are not only valid but often much more cost-effective.
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Not always. For the highest-risk or coastal properties, NFIP might still be your best option. But for the vast majority of homes in Connecticut, private options are substantially cheaper.
Yes. Under the Biggert-Waters Act, lenders are legally required to accept compliant private policies. All our carriers meet those standards.
Quite the opposite. Private policies often offer:
Higher building and contents limits
Replacement cost on belongings, instead of depreciated value
Loss of use coverage, such as hotel stays after a flood
You’ve seen the numbers. You’ve learned the reasons. You’re no longer stuck in the NFIP by default. Whether you’re looking to lower your monthly costs, upgrade your protection, or both, it starts with a quote.
We’ve helped hundreds of Connecticut families find better coverage and unlock thousands in savings. Let us help you next.
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