Virginia Beach Helps Reduce Resident Flood Insurance Premiums

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. In Virginia Beach, we are at the highest risk for flooding, tropical/coastal storms and sea level rise. 

The City is working on multiple initiatives to help reduce flood insurance premiums for residents and address these risks, and residents can take action as well.  

Lower insurance costs through Community Rating System 

Home insurance rates have risen significantly in many areas due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. Additional factors contributing to the increases are higher building costs and labor shortages, increased claim payouts, reinsurance costs and risk-based pricing. 

This is a complex challenge nationwide, and the increase in premiums is outside of the City’s direct control. But, the City is working to help homeowners receive the lowest rates possible. 

Virginia Beach participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As a Class 7 community, residents receive a 15% discount on their flood insurance premiums. 

The City departments of Planning and Public Works are working to evaluate programs that the City has adopted since joining the program in 2019 to determine whether additional points can be earned. In addition, the City is researching actions it could take to increase the CRS discount on flood insurance premiums.   

What residents can do 

• Review your insurance coverage to ensure you have adequate protection. Remember that the value of your home will change from year to year. Be sure to update your policy annually to reflect its current assessed value.  
• Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you don’t have it. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so consider purchasing flood insurance. Remember that flood insurance typically takes 30 days to become effective, so apply as soon as possible. Be sure to look into coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Document your property in advance, including photographs, to help with the insurance claim process if necessary.  
• Learn about City programs and seek assistance, with the resources listed below. 

City resources and programs

Floodwater Mitigation Assistance Grant
Grants are available for elevation, reconstruction and flood control for properties that meet certain criteria, including being insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and experiencing repetitive flooding losses.  

For more information about these grants, which are managed by the City’s Emergency Management team, contact floodmitigation@vbgov.com.  

Stormwater Extension Program 
The City’s new Stormwater Extension Program aims to help residents and businesses take proactive steps to manage flooding before it becomes financially draining.   

The program is designed for those who want to take action but aren’t sure where to start. It includes one-on-one consultation with the Stormwater Extension agent, advice tailored to your yard and neighborhood, help finding grants, access to the Flooding Mitigation Toolbox , data and dashboards, and support for neighborhood associations.  

If you’re experiencing flooding issues or want to know more about how water flows through and around your property, start by visiting VirginiaBeach.gov/StormwaterExtension for the form to request assistance or ask questions access to the toolbox and tools, and contact information for the Stormwater Extension agent. 

Stormwater Outreach 
The City’s Department of Public Works develops and implements public outreach programs to engage residents and visitors; offers many stormwater-related outreach programs and activities for our residents, volunteer groups, students, and teachers to learn about and participate in stormwater programs; and works with nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, schools, and businesses to help them reduce runoff and water pollution. Learn more at VirginiaBeach.gov/StormwaterOutreach.

Sea Level Wise 
The City has developed a comprehensive program for addressing rising sea levels and recurrent flooding. The strategy includes a proactive, long-term approach to enable Virginia Beach to adapt to these changing environmental conditions. For more information, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/SeaLevelWise.

Flood Protection Program  
In November 2021, Virginia Beach voters supported a resiliency package for several key flood protection initiatives, including drainage improvements, tide gates, pump stations and flood barriers throughout the city.  The comprehensive 10-year plan, The Ripple Effect, is led by Public Works with support from a community oversight board for transparency and accountability. 

Find a series of videos and blog articles to educate and inform residents on the progress made by the Flood Protection Program and the impacts these projects will have on our community at VirginiaBeach.gov/RippleEffect. 

• Emergency Management
• Public Works
• Planning