Is an elevation certificate necessary to purchase a flood insurance policy on a Pre-FIRM building?

An elevation certificate is not required to purchase a flood insurance policy on a Pre-FIRM building, which is why this answer is positioned as correct. Pre-FIRM buildings, constructed before the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was established, may not have the necessary elevation data readily available or required for premium determination because their rates are typically based on older flood insurance rate guidelines that do not necessitate detailed elevation information.

However, obtaining an elevation certificate can still be beneficial for these properties. It can provide valuable elevation information to help assess the proper insurance premium and potentially save money by demonstrating that a structure is above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This elevation data is particularly useful if a homeowner wishes to appeal a rate or seek coverage at a more favorable rate based on their individual circumstances, even though it's not mandatory for obtaining coverage in the first place.

This context demonstrates the flexibility and additional advantages an elevation certificate brings to Pre-FIRM building owners in terms of flood insurance.