Flood insurance in Brunswick County, North Carolina

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
20,841
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$879
$126 below the North Carolina average
Claims paid since 1978
$99.3M
across 9,879 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
64%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Brunswick County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2018, with $24.8 million paid on 1,149 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE8%
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, C36%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 39% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Brunswick County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Florence20181,092$24.4 million
Hurricane Floyd19991,709$17.8 million
Tropical Cyclone Eight2024275$13.4 million
Hurricane Hugo19891,519$9.7 million
Hurricane Isaias2020846$9.2 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Brunswick County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
284653,927$9942,847$27.1 million
284693,450$1,1511,601$6.3 million
284613,399$8791,432$20.7 million
284622,535$1,0362,408$15.2 million
284512,050$558174$9.5 million
284671,975$660211$3.8 million
284681,964$714236$597 thousand
28422655$752123$6.5 million
28470399$1,03883$1.7 million
28479340$50822$1.7 million
2845965$1,133510$3.1 million
2842062$62240$1.4 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Brunswick County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Brunswick County costs about $879 a year. The North Carolina average is $1,005. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Brunswick County?

There are about 20,841 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Brunswick County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Brunswick County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Brunswick County have filed 9,879 flood claims, with $99.3 million paid out. 2,490 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 North Carolina