Flood insurance in Chesapeake city, Virginia

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
7,340
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$639
$229 below the Virginia average
Claims paid since 1978
$27.3M
across 2,634 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
58%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Chesapeake city, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2009, with $9.3 million paid on 602 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 / AE58%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C42%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 32% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Chesapeake city

EventYearClaimsPaid
November 2009 Nor'easter2009569$9.2 million
Hurricane Isabel2003546$5.9 million
Hurricane Irene2011342$4.6 million
Hurricane Matthew2016161$2.1 million
Hurricane Sandy201262$594 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Chesapeake city with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
233202,709$6951,148$12.4 million
233231,810$618602$5.7 million
233221,724$596578$6.6 million
23321534$537129$883 thousand
23324377$735124$1.4 million
23325191$67855$431 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Chesapeake city?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Chesapeake city costs about $639 a year. The Virginia average is $868. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Chesapeake city?

There are about 7,340 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Chesapeake city, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Chesapeake city flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Chesapeake city have filed 2,634 flood claims, with $27.3 million paid out. 89 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 Virginia