Check a home’s flood, wildfire, hurricane, earthquake and heat risk before you make an offer, because it affects your insurance cost, whether you can get coverage at all, and resale value. Start with area-level ratings to compare towns, then check FEMA flood maps and get an insurance quote for the specific address before your contingencies expire.
Why it matters more than it used to
Insurance premiums have risen sharply in high-risk areas, and some insurers have stopped writing new policies in parts of the country. A home that’s a great deal at its price can become expensive to own if insurance costs thousands more than you planned, or if you have to rely on a state insurer of last resort.
Compare risk between places
FEMA’s National Risk Index rates how much damage each natural hazard typically causes in an area, compared with the rest of the country. We use those ratings to show risk for every ZIP code.
See: Lowest natural hazard riskZIP codes with the lowest combined risk from flooding, wildfire, hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme heat, tornadoes, winter storms and hail.You can also filter by each hazard in the town finder (for example, “flooding low or lower” and “wildfire low or lower”), and every ZIP code page lists the hazards rated moderate or higher.
Check the specific home
Area ratings average over many homes, and risk can change from one street to the next. For a home you’re serious about:
- Flood: look up the address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. If it’s in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Many floods happen outside mapped zones, so consider coverage anyway.
- Ask the seller about past flood damage, insurance claims and repairs. Many states require disclosure.
- Get insurance quotes early, ideally before your inspection contingency ends, including any separate flood, wind or earthquake coverage.
- Wildfire: ask about defensible space, roof type and whether insurers are writing policies in the area.
- Earthquake: standard policies don’t cover it; ask about separate coverage and whether the home has been retrofitted.
Build insurance into your budget
Insurance is part of your monthly payment, so a higher premium means a lower price you can afford. Use the mortgage payment calculator with your real quote, and the true cost to buy tool to see the first-year total.
Use your contingencies
Your inspection contingency gives you time to research risk and get quotes. If insurance turns out to be far more than expected, you may be able to renegotiate or walk away. The contingency risk explainer covers how each contingency protects you.
Risk you can reduce
Some upgrades can lower premiums: a newer roof, hurricane shutters, elevating utilities, fire-resistant landscaping. Ask your insurer which discounts apply.
Common questions
How do I know if a house is in a flood zone?
Look up the address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. If it’s in a high-risk zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required.
Does homeowners insurance cover floods or earthquakes?
No. Standard policies exclude both; you need separate flood or earthquake coverage.
When should I get insurance quotes?
Before your inspection contingency ends, so you can renegotiate or walk away if coverage is unexpectedly expensive or unavailable.
Updated October 2026. Educational content. OfferBacked is not currently a lender and doesn’t issue pre-approvals or loans.