Flood insurance in Cheatham County, Tennessee

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
424
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,562
$254 above the Tennessee average
Claims paid since 1978
$25.7M
across 513 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
78%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Cheatham County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2010, with $22.3 million paid on 209 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 / AE78%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C22%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 17% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Cheatham County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Late spring storms2010208$22.3 million
Flooding199724$338 thousand
Heavy rains20034$32 thousand
Mid-spring storms20141$29 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Cheatham County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
37015283$1,752294$16.8 million
3714360$1,32893$2.7 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Cheatham County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Cheatham County costs about $1,562 a year. The Tennessee average is $1,308. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Cheatham County?

There are about 424 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Cheatham County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Cheatham County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Cheatham County have filed 513 flood claims, with $25.7 million paid out. 103 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 Tennessee