Flood insurance in Sullivan County, New York

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
413
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,674
$133 above the New York average
Claims paid since 1978
$16.2M
across 945 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
60%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Sullivan County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2006, with $8.9 million paid on 237 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 / AE60%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C40%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 35% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Sullivan County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Torrential rain2005125$1.7 million
Hurricane Irene201172$1.0 million
Flooding199633$300 thousand
Tropical Storm Lee201113$106 thousand
Hurricane Ida20214$40 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Sullivan County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
1277680$1,683165$4.6 million
1275855$2,958302$5.0 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Sullivan County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Sullivan County costs about $1,674 a year. The New York average is $1,541. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Sullivan County?

There are about 413 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Sullivan County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Sullivan County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Sullivan County have filed 945 flood claims, with $16.2 million paid out. 39 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 New York