Risk Factors: Elevation

One of the risk factors when getting a flood insurance quote is elevation. A property’s base flood elevation (BFE) and its flood plain have a direct impact on whether flood insurance is required and the amount of premiums paid for flood insurance coverage.

Base flood elevation is the height (measured in feet) of the base flood, or the land that has a one percent change of flooding in a given year. The flood plain is any area of land that is susceptible to being overcome by flood waters from any source. These areas are classified as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and are in a 100-year flood zone.

Generally, property that is located in a flood plain with an SFHA classification, and that also has a high BFE, may result in a higher premium paid for flood insurance than a property not in an SFHA and with a lower BFE.

The elevation and flood plain are important factors for a potential purchaser when purchasing flood insurance.