Flood insurance in El Paso County, Colorado

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
1,441
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,057
$98 below the Colorado average
Claims paid since 1978
$6.0M
across 857 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
39%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in El Paso County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2013, with $3.7 million paid on 207 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 / AE39%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C61%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 38% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in El Paso County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Late summer storms2013137$1.2 million
Flooding19972$11 thousand
Flooding19831$0

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in El Paso County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
80906232$1,385173$909 thousand
80829144$2,522118$3.1 million
80919126$55961$560 thousand
80911110$85247$113 thousand
8090595$1,97043$114 thousand
8092161$40320$62 thousand
8090461$1,34572$165 thousand
8013259$5029$11 thousand
8083156$67329$70 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in El Paso County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in El Paso County costs about $1,057 a year. The Colorado average is $1,155. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in El Paso County?

There are about 1,441 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in El Paso County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does El Paso County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in El Paso County have filed 857 flood claims, with $6.0 million paid out. 93 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 Colorado