Flood insurance in Lake County, Indiana

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
1,019
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$968
$44 below the Indiana average
Claims paid since 1978
$49.5M
across 3,013 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
56%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Lake County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2008, with $33.1 million paid on 920 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 / AE56%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C44%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 36% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Lake County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Ike2008824$32.1 million
Flooding199099$2.1 million
Flooding1981201$581 thousand
Flooding198223$72 thousand
Flooding19859$26 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Lake County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
46410116$793169$1.1 million
4632196$1,142592$25.0 million
4632294$928819$9.6 million
4631194$1,155165$2.3 million
4631982$935292$2.7 million
4637581$1,15042$975 thousand
4630767$92053$299 thousand
4635666$90047$305 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Lake County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Lake County costs about $968 a year. The Indiana average is $1,012. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Lake County?

There are about 1,019 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Lake County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Lake County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Lake County have filed 3,013 flood claims, with $49.5 million paid out. 121 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 Indiana