Frequently Asked Flood Zone Questions

Your Questions Answered

Take the guesswork out of your flood zone quest by reviewing some of our most common questions below.

Why does my house show as being in a flood zone when it shouldn’t be?

When FEMA started the National Flood Insurance Program, they were on a tight schedule and budget. As a result, FEMA created the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) using macroscopic, community-wide data. They did not survey individual residential lots. If your home was built on natural high ground or an elevated grading pad that FEMA’s broad-scale mapping missed, the map will incorrectly show your structure in a high-risk zone. We correct this administrative oversight by submitting site-specific topographical data to override the generalized federal map.

Why are your fees not determined the same way as other flood zone correction services?

I like keeping my pricing fair, reasonable, and straightforward. Most flood zone correction services charge a percentage of your flood insurance premium. I don’t believe this is right. After all, it doesn’t take any more time to remove a structure with a $2,000 premium than it does to remove a structure with a $1,000 premium. So why should a person be charged more, just because their premium is more? We utilize a flat-fee architecture ($250 for Elevation Certificate coordination; $495 for residential LOMA filings). You keep 100% of your insurance savings.

How long does the process take?

While we assemble and file your Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) very quickly, FEMA’s administrative review timeline varies. Generally, FEMA processes standard LOMA applications within 30 to 60 days. We monitor the federal portal daily and notify you the moment a determination is issued.

If you cannot get my house out of the flood zone, how quickly will I receive my money back?

Our 100% money-back guarantee is absolute for residential LOMA filings. If FEMA denies the application and we cannot remove your structure from the Special Flood Hazard Area, your $495 fee is refundable. All you have to do is email us and request the refund. We will generally issue it the same day.

Do all flood zones require flood insurance?

No. Only a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) requires flood insurance. In other zones, flood insurance is optional.

Can I still carry flood insurance, even if my property is removed from the flood zone?

Yes. Properties located outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area generally secure lower premiums under FEMA’s current Risk Rating 2.0 methodology.

If my home is removed from the SFHA, will I receive any of my flood insurance premium back?

In most cases, yes. Once the LOMA is officially approved by FEMA, you can provide the determination document to your insurance agent. Under current NFIP rules, you are typically eligible for a full refund of the premium paid for the current policy year, provided no claims have been filed.

Does the flood insurance requirement impact the value of my house?

Absolutely. When a property is mapped in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), federally backed lenders require flood insurance. Prospective buyers must factor this premium into their debt-to-income ratios. High annual insurance costs directly reduce a buyer’s purchasing power, which can lower your property’s marketability and limit your buyer pool. Successfully removing the structure from the SFHA eliminates this ongoing financial burden, restoring the property’s full market potential.