It’s strongly recommended. Nationally, more than 20% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones.
In early 2023, atmospheric river storms caused flooding and landslides across Orange County. Homes near Oso Creek, Arroyo Trabuco, and San Juan Creek, or below hillsides and recent burn scars, can flood or take on mud even outside mapped flood zones. Flood insurance for homes in moderate- to low-risk zones, such as Zone X, is often much more affordable than people expect.
You can check your flood zone on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov). Keep in mind that maps show general risk, not guarantees.
Questions about your own policy? Elye Insurance in Mission Viejo helps homeowners and drivers across California and beyond compare options from multiple carriers.
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