Flood insurance in Pender County, North Carolina

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
5,495
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,185
$180 above the North Carolina average
Claims paid since 1978
$118.1M
across 5,889 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
72%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Pender County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2018, with $66.2 million paid on 1,330 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE23%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE49%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C28%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 39% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Pender County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Florence20181,315$65.7 million
Hurricane Fran19961,681$27.6 million
Hurricane Floyd19991,189$14.0 million
Hurricane Matthew2016128$3.8 million
Hurricane Bertha1996366$1.5 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Pender County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
284453,787$1,4335,547$56.2 million
284431,340$816399$8.3 million
28425366$1,011575$41.6 million
28457284$843129$8.2 million
2843592$824132$8.1 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Pender County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Pender County costs about $1,185 a year. The North Carolina average is $1,005. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Pender County?

There are about 5,495 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Pender County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Pender County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Pender County have filed 5,889 flood claims, with $118.1 million paid out. 1,381 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 North Carolina