Flood insurance in Rhode Island

Flood insurance policies, average premiums, flood zones and claims history for Rhode Island, county by county, from official FEMA records.

Policies as of 5 September 2026Source: FEMA OpenFEMA
Active flood policies
11,703
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,340
$70 above the US average
Claims paid since 1978
$139.5M
across 7,026 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
67%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Rhode Island, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2010, with $43.8 million paid on 1,782 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE12%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE55%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C33%
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 Rhode Island

EventYearClaimsPaid
March 2010 Nor'easter20101,716$43.3 million
Hurricane Sandy20121,067$38.6 million
Hurricane Bob1991626$6.3 million
December Nor'easter202378$5.0 million
Hurricane Irene201185$2.1 million

Flood insurance by county

Counties in Rhode Island with detailed pages, by number of policies

CountyPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
Washington County4,006$1,2232,399$51.9 million
Newport County2,314$1,170805$11.8 million
Providence County2,221$2,3071,626$49.0 million
Bristol County1,801$1,235830$4.9 million
Kent County1,358$1,2371,300$21.5 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Rhode Island?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Rhode Island costs about $1,340 a year. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Rhode Island?

There are about 11,703 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Rhode Island, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Rhode Island flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Rhode Island have filed 7,026 flood claims, with $139.5 million paid out. 538 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.