Flood insurance in Broome County, New York

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
1,563
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,543
about the New York average
Claims paid since 1978
$138.3M
across 3,103 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
30%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Broome County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2011, with $92.8 million paid on 1,416 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 / AE30%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C70%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 23% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Broome County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Tropical Storm Lee20111,353$91.6 million
Torrential rain2005159$2.6 million
Flooding199690$974 thousand
Hurricane Irene201129$807 thousand
Flooding198146$191 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Broome County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
13850323$1,412489$24.2 million
13790237$1,516330$22.3 million
13760234$1,484539$19.4 million
13748150$1,490586$28.2 million
13905121$1,435221$10.6 million
13901120$1,471118$4.2 million
13903116$1,726255$12.0 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Broome County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Broome County costs about $1,543 a year. The New York average is $1,541. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Broome County?

There are about 1,563 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Broome County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Broome County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Broome County have filed 3,103 flood claims, with $138.3 million paid out. 108 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 New York