Consumer Advisory: Know your Flood Risk in 2026
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Federal Disaster Aid may be less available
In 2026 it’s more important than ever to understand your home’s flood risk and consider flood insurance. With higher denial rates from the federal government for disaster declaration requests, Marylanders face the prospect of recovering from major flooding events with fewer federal resources.States are finding it more difficult to qualify for a disaster declaration, including requests following hurricanes, major flooding, and wildfire events.In Maryland, despite validating millions in damages, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed the State of Maryland that the state’s appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration for the flooding that occurred in Allegany and Garrett Counties in May of 2025 was denied. Without a Disaster Declaration, individual Marylanders are not eligible for federal grants and loans that may offer some assistance with rebuilding costs.With this in mind,
it’s important that Maryland homeowners, renters, and business owners take time this year to evaluate their home’s flood risks. Flood damage is one of the most common and costly disasters in the United States, and can occur almost anywhere, even if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone. According to FEMA, just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage to a home. A few things to think about:
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Most standard homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage. You need flood insurance for that protection.
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Check your flood risk even if you’re not in a “high-risk” zone. No home is safe from the devastation of a flood, 25% of flood losses occur to homes outside of a high-risk area.
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Don’t wait until a storm is on its way! Most flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period.
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Under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), coverage for your home and coverage for your contents are separate policies. Building Coverage includes the building itself and those contents that are part of the physical structure of your home, such as electrical and plumbing systems. Content coverage covers things like personal belongings and laundry appliances, and those belongings are covered for their value at the time of the damage (known as Actual Cost Value).
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Understand your coverage limits. The NFIP sells residential policies with Building Coverage limits up to $250,000, and Contents Coverage limits up to $100,000.
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Keep important documents in a water-proof space or the cloud. Update your home inventory by using the
Home Inventory App.
Flood insurance is available in most Maryland communities through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), on the private market, and through surplus insurance lines. If you are considering purchasing a flood policy, it is a good idea to talk with a trusted insurance producer (agent or broker) to make sure you understand what the policy covers. Find more information about
flood insurance from the Maryland Insurance Administration.