Flood insurance in Suffolk city, Virginia

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
825
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$470
$398 below the Virginia average
Claims paid since 1978
$5.2M
across 234 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
20%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Suffolk city, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2016, with $2.3 million paid on 47 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE2%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE18%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C80%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 37% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Suffolk city

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Matthew201637$2.1 million
November 2009 Nor'easter200926$669 thousand
Hurricane Isabel200331$559 thousand
Hurricane Irene201112$357 thousand
Hurricane Floyd199925$302 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Suffolk city with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
23435462$40374$1.4 million
23434273$575120$2.1 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Suffolk city?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Suffolk city costs about $470 a year. The Virginia average is $868. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Suffolk city?

There are about 825 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Suffolk city, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Suffolk city flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Suffolk city have filed 234 flood claims, with $5.2 million paid out. 12 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 Virginia