Can you obtain a good flood insurance rate for a building in an AE Zone that is floodproofed to the BFE?

A flood insurance rate for a building located in an AE Zone, which is a designated area prone to flooding, is influenced significantly by how well the property is protected against flood risks. The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is an essential measure, defining the height to which floodwaters are expected to rise during a 100-year flood.

To achieve favorable flood insurance rates, a property must be floodproofed to a level that exceeds the BFE. This is crucial because floodproofing to the BFE alone does not necessarily provide adequate safety against flooding, which could result in property damage. As a result, insurance premiums often do not qualify for optimal rates unless floodproofing measures extend above the BFE. This higher level of floodproofing provides additional protection and demonstrates a commitment to mitigating flood risks, which insurers recognize with better rates.

While floodproofing in accordance with local regulations may enhance safety and compliance, it does not inherently guarantee optimal insurance rates unless it meets the higher criteria of surpassing the BFE. Certification by FEMA can help confirm compliance with federal standards but does not, by itself, ensure better rates if the floodproofing does not meet the necessary elevation requirements above the BFE.