Flood insurance in Madison County, Alabama

How many buildings are insured against floods, what policies cost, and how much FEMA's flood insurance program has paid out, from official NFIP records.

Policies as of 5 September 2026Source: FEMA OpenFEMA
Active flood policies
3,420
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,142
$295 below the Alabama average
Claims paid since 1978
$11.6M
across 785 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
56%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Madison County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2003, with $1.3 million paid on 82 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE0%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE56%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C44%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 32% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Madison County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Flooding199045$680 thousand
Early winter storms201524$410 thousand
Hurricane Frederic197910$207 thousand
Tropical Storm Nicholas20215$35 thousand
Hurricane Isaac20122$22 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Madison County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
35803521$90792$964 thousand
35801491$1,482108$1.5 million
35763419$1,01895$1.1 million
35802300$950230$3.7 million
35816235$1,32116$1.2 million
35811221$1,06315$267 thousand
35758198$1,14633$258 thousand
35805154$2,01225$248 thousand
35806128$1,15620$127 thousand
35810113$1,09326$351 thousand
35760107$1,25924$367 thousand
3574891$1,1098$24 thousand
3582482$1,0561$0
3574973$88419$396 thousand
3575773$59112$473 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Madison County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Madison County costs about $1,142 a year. The Alabama average is $1,437. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Madison County?

There are about 3,420 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Madison County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Madison County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Madison County have filed 785 flood claims, with $11.6 million paid out. 136 of those claims were in the last 10 years.

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?

No. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude flood damage. You need a separate flood policy from the NFIP or a private insurer.

How long until a new flood policy starts?

NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buying when a storm is already forecast is normally too late. Exceptions apply, for example when a lender requires the policy at closing.

How to get flood insurance

Most flood policies are sold through the National Flood Insurance Program by regular insurance agents. Ask the agent who handles your home or car insurance, or find one through FloodSmart.gov, FEMA's official flood insurance site. Private flood insurers also sell policies in many areas and are worth comparing.

Other counties in Alabama