NHID Issues Consumer Guidance on Flood Insurance Coverage and Flood Risk

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• New Hampshire Insurance Department Issues Consumer Guidance on Flood Insurance Coverage and Flood Risk

For Immediate Release Date: March 06, 2026

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(603) 271-3781 | communications@ins.nh.gov

New Hampshire Insurance Department Issues Consumer Guidance on Flood Insurance Coverage and Flood Risk

CONCORD, NH (March 6, 2026) – The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is reminding consumers that flooding can occur in every part of the state and that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover most flood-related losses. Through newly released consumer guidance, the NHID is encouraging residents to better understand their flood risk, review their current coverage, and consider whether a separate flood insurance policy is needed to protect their homes, belongings, and financial security.

“The reality is that flooding is not limited to coastal properties or homes located near rivers and lakes,” said Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. “Flooding can impact communities across the Granite State as a result of heavy rain, snowmelt, ice jams, overwhelmed drainage systems, and other sudden events. Consumers should understand that a standard homeowners policy typically does not cover flood damage, and preparing before a storm is the best way to avoid costly surprises after one.”

The NHID’s consumer guidance explains that flood insurance is generally purchased separately from homeowners insurance and is available through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as through private insurers. In New Hampshire, most communities participate in the NFIP, making flood insurance broadly available even for properties outside high-risk flood zones.

The guidance also outlines the differences between NFIP coverage and private flood insurance options. While NFIP policies can provide important protection for both buildings and contents, private flood insurance may offer higher coverage limits, broader protections, and additional flexibility depending on the insurer and the property. Consumers are encouraged to speak with a licensed insurance agent to compare available options and determine what level of protection is appropriate for their circumstances.

In addition, the NHID is emphasizing that all properties carry some degree of flood risk. Flooding may result from severe storms, river overflow, blocked drainage systems, broken water mains, and other conditions that can affect areas far from visible bodies of water. The Department’s guidance notes that a meaningful share of flood insurance claims come from areas classified as low-to-moderate risk, underscoring the importance of evaluating flood exposure even when coverage is not required by a mortgage lender.

The consumer guidance also explains how FEMA flood maps are used to identify flood zones and outlines the role of Risk Rating 2.0 in determining NFIP pricing. Under that system, a property’s individual characteristics, such as elevation, proximity to flooding sources, and construction type, may affect the cost of coverage. The guidance further reminds consumers that flood damage to personal vehicles is generally covered only if comprehensive coverage has been purchased under an auto insurance policy.

“Flood insurance can play a critical role in helping families recover more quickly after a loss, especially because federal disaster assistance is often limited and may not fully cover the cost of repairs,” said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Keith Nyhan. “The NHID wants Granite Staters to have clear, practical information so they can make informed decisions about protecting their property before the next flood event occurs.”

Consumers can review the NHID’s full flood insurance consumer guidance at https://www.insurance.nh.gov/news-and-media/blog/flood-insurance-what-granite-staters-need-know-about-protecting-their-homes-and.

The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help

The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 800-852-3416 or 603-271‐2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov/.