Flood insurance in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana

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
2,363
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$900
$139 below the Louisiana average
Claims paid since 1978
$28.2M
across 1,466 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
56%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in St. Martin Parish, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2016, with $13.0 million paid on 323 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 St. Martin Parish

EventYearClaimsPaid
Mid-summer severe storms2016292$12.6 million
Tropical Storm Allison200153$564 thousand
2021 Mid-Spring Severe Storms202112$458 thousand
Flooding199160$367 thousand
2026-06-Arthur-TS20268$204 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in St. Martin Parish with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
705171,158$720547$13.9 million
70582570$948373$7.7 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in St. Martin Parish?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in St. Martin Parish costs about $900 a year. The Louisiana average is $1,039. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in St. Martin Parish?

There are about 2,363 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in St. Martin Parish, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does St. Martin Parish flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in St. Martin Parish have filed 1,466 flood claims, with $28.2 million paid out. 228 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 Louisiana