Flood insurance in Marin County, California

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
6,336
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$2,039
$952 above the California average
Claims paid since 1978
$54.9M
across 3,301 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
87%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Marin County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2005, with $28.1 million paid on 555 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE4%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE83%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C13%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 26% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Marin County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Flooding1982570$4.6 million
Pineapple Express - Southern1998247$2.8 million
Flooding1983249$2.6 million
Flooding1986237$1.3 million
California Atmospheric River202325$651 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Marin County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
949011,001$2,600494$6.2 million
94947947$1,486363$2.9 million
94941810$1,969388$3.8 million
94960432$2,211315$13.0 million
94920432$2,216119$1.2 million
94925405$1,761172$2.0 million
94949403$1,12327$380 thousand
94939393$2,538101$1.7 million
94903356$2,158270$1.6 million
94904248$2,215202$4.4 million
94945181$1,36074$324 thousand
94970155$2,607141$2.3 million
94957151$2,469236$9.1 million
94930137$1,952131$2.0 million
94965135$2,86477$1.6 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Marin County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Marin County costs about $2,039 a year. The California average is $1,087. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Marin County?

There are about 6,336 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Marin County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Marin County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Marin County have filed 3,301 flood claims, with $54.9 million paid out. 254 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 California