Flood insurance in Cecil County, Maryland

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
843
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$971
$154 above the Maryland average
Claims paid since 1978
$14.3M
across 703 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
79%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Cecil County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2003, with $6.1 million paid on 192 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE16%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE63%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C21%
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 Cecil County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Isabel2003183$6.1 million
Hurricane Ida202112$1.1 million
Hurricane Floyd199941$1.0 million
Hurricane Irene201133$873 thousand
Flooding199648$745 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Cecil County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
21903191$1,29262$1.4 million
21921174$928225$6.0 million
21904168$1,949111$1.2 million
21901159$654138$2.5 million
2191551$98427$206 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Cecil County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Cecil County costs about $971 a year. The Maryland average is $817. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Cecil County?

There are about 843 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Cecil County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Cecil County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Cecil County have filed 703 flood claims, with $14.3 million paid out. 83 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 Maryland