Flood Zone X: What It Means and How It Affects Home Insurance

Flood Zone X is a FEMA-designated area that has a low to moderate risk of flooding.^[1] On FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), the unshaded Flood Zone X represents an area with minimal flood risk, while the shaded Flood Zone X has a moderate risk. Both zones are outside of the highest-risk areas, called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).^[2]

While Flood Zone X doesn’t have a significant flood risk, flooding can still happen there, and standard home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage.^[3]

In this article, we’ll explain whether you need flood insurance in Flood Zone X and how to purchase a flood insurance policy.

Do Homes in Flood Zone X Need Flood Insurance?

Homeowners in Flood Zone X don’t typically need to buy flood insurance. FEMA recommends, but doesn’t mandate, that homes in Zone X have flood insurance. Only properties with federally backed mortgages located in SFHAs must purchase flood insurance to meet federal lender requirements.^[4]

That said, in some cases, a mortgage lender may require you to purchase flood insurance for your home in Zone X as a condition of your home loan. You also may need to buy flood insurance to qualify for aid in the future if your home has received federal disaster assistance from FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).^[5]

Because standard home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, homeowners in Flood Zone X can benefit from having a separate flood insurance policy. Even shallow flooding can cause significant damage. You must purchase flood insurance as a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.

Zone X Flood Insurance Costs

The median current cost of NFIP flood insurance, across all flood zones, is $786 per year.^[6] If you get flood insurance through a private insurer, you could pay anywhere from less than $100 to more than $1,000 annually.^[7]

Flood insurance in Zone X is generally more affordable than in higher-risk zones. That’s because FEMA has determined that homes in Zone X have a lower probability of significant flood damage.

Ultimately, flood insurance rates in Zone X depend on a variety of factors, including:^[6]

• Location

• Base flood elevation (BFE)

• Home replacement value

• Building characteristics

• Flood mitigation features

• Coverage types and limits

How to Find Your Flood Zone

If you own a home, it’s important to know which flood zone your property is in. That way, you can assess the level of risk and determine whether flood insurance is necessary.

Here’s how you can find your flood zone:

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  1. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center

  FEMA flood maps are available online through the Flood Map Service Center. FEMA updates these maps regularly, as they can change based on factors like weather patterns and new housing development.^[8]

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  2. Enter your address

  Type your full home address into the search box at the top of the page. A red location pin will show your home’s location and your flood zone classification.

• 

  3. Understand the result

  Use the legend at the bottom of the map to determine the risk of flooding in your area. You can also scroll around the map to see other flood zones in the areas surrounding your property.

• 

  4. Check other flood resources

  In addition to FEMA flood maps, you should also refer to local government Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and flood risk reports to better understand the potential flood risk in your area.

Shaded vs. Unshaded Flood Zones

Flood Zone X consists of two categories: shaded and unshaded. Each one represents a different level of risk and might affect your flood insurance needs.

Shaded Flood Zone X

Shaded Flood Zone X indicates an area with a moderate risk of flooding. Specifically, it means that the floodplain lies between the 100‐year and 500‐year flood limits, as determined by FEMA.^[9] Homes in shaded Flood Zone X have a 1-in-500 chance of flooding in any given year.^[10]

Because shaded Flood Zone X has a moderate risk of flooding, having flood insurance can be valuable in this area. Your lender might also require it if you have a mortgage.

Unshaded Flood Zone X

Unshaded Flood Zone X has a minimal risk of flooding, according to FEMA. Homes in unshaded Flood Zone X are outside the 500-year flood level and generally have the lowest risk of flood damage.^[11]

If you live in an unshaded Flood Zone X, you may not need flood insurance. But keep in mind that homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damage, even if a natural disaster like a hurricane causes it.

Other Flood Zone Designations

FEMA creates flood zones to determine whether a specific place has a low, moderate, or high risk of flooding. Areas with a 1% or higher annual chance are high-risk and typically require flood insurance.^[12]

Here’s a breakdown of the various FEMA flood zone designations and their levels of risk:

• Zone A, Zone AE, Zone AH, Zone AO, Zone AR, and Zone A99: High risk of flooding

• Zone B and Zone X (shaded): Moderate risk of flooding

• Zone C and Zone X (unshaded): Low risk of flooding

• Zone D: Undetermined risk of flooding

• Zone V and Zone VE: Coastal high risk of flooding^[3]

How to Reduce the Risk of Flood Damage in Zone X

While Flood Zone X has a low to moderate risk of flooding, flood events can still occur. It’s important to reduce the risk of flood damage in your home, especially if you don’t have a flood insurance policy.

Here are a few tips for protecting your property against flood damage:

• Elevate your utilities. Raising your utilities above the projected flood level can protect your home’s major systems and appliances in the event of a flood. Make sure to anchor these utilities so floodwaters don’t displace or sweep them away.

• Clear your gutters. If leaves, sticks, and other debris have clogged your gutters, heavy rain can lead to flooding. To avoid damage, clear your gutters regularly, and ensure that your downspouts extend away from the house.

• Use sandbags before storms. If a storm is in the forecast, you can use sandbags or other heavy materials for flood protection. Place sandbags around the entry points of your house, such as doorways and low windows, to create a barrier. This can prevent water from entering your home.

How to Get Flood Insurance in Zone X

Flood Zone X homeowners don’t need to purchase flood insurance, but many property owners can still benefit from purchasing a policy. If you live in Zone X, it’s worth doing a risk assessment to determine whether flood insurance is right for you.

You can follow these steps to buy flood insurance:

1. Consider your options. First, decide whether you want to purchase coverage from the NFIP or a private flood insurer. For homeowners in Zone X, private flood insurance may provide higher coverage limits and lower premiums, but it depends on various factors.^[13]

2. Determine your coverage needs. Think about how much coverage you need based on your home’s unique risks and the type of coverage you want. If you go with an NFIP policy, you’ll need to purchase building and contents coverage separately.^[14]

3. Get quotes. Apply for a personalized flood insurance quote through the NFIP. If you want private flood insurance, aim to get quotes from a few different insurers to see which one can offer you the lowest price.

4. Understand the waiting periods. Most flood insurance policies have a waiting period before you can file claims. NFIP flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period, while private flood insurance has shorter waiting periods of around 10–14 days.^{[15] [16]}

5. Finalize your coverage. The final step is to “bind” your coverage by paying the initial premium. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your policy documents in a waterproof container or in a safe deposit box in case of a flood.

Flood Zone X FAQs