Short answer: Anchorage Municipality's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks local hazards. Alaska does not operate a homeowners FAIR Plan.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Anchorage area (Anchorage Municipality). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Anchorage Municipality) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Anchorage
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Anchorage Municipality report.
Federal disaster declarations in Anchorage Municipality
Since 1995, Anchorage Municipality has been part of 4 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (2), earthquake events (1) and flood events (1). The most recent: Earthquake, 2019, Severe Winter Storm, Including High Winds and Freezing Temperatures, 2003, Severe Winter Storms and Avalanches, 2000 and Flooding, 1995. FEMA also lists 1 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Creeks, snowmelt and aufeis
The Municipality's Flood Hazard program puts nearly 10,000 acres and more than 3,500 parcels partly or wholly in the floodplain. Problem waterways range from Ship Creek and Eagle River to Campbell, Chester and Peters Creeks. Fall "Pineapple Express" rains caused major flooding in 1995, 1997, 2002 and 2005. Aufeis, ice that builds up from the streambed, pushed Peters Creek over its banks in the winters of 2003 and 2006, and that kind of flooding can reach well beyond the mapped 100-year floodplain.
Flood insurance and permits in Anchorage
Anchorage takes part in the NFIP, so a federally backed flood policy is available for any structure, whether or not it's in the floodplain. In 2008 a summer cloudburst on the east side of the Bowl sent water into crawlspaces outside the main channels. New or substantially improved floodplain buildings need a Flood Hazard Permit, with living space and mechanical equipment at least 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation. Work counts as a substantial improvement if it costs more than 50% of the structure's value.
The 2018 earthquake
The U.S. Geological Survey says the November 30, 2018 magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck about 12 km north of downtown Anchorage. It caused the strongest shaking in the area since 1964. It killed no one, but it caused widespread power outages and damage to buildings, roads and railways. A USGS ground-failure study found that liquefaction damaged numerous houses, that cracking near slope edges caused perhaps the most property damage, and that bluffs in south Anchorage slid again where they had failed in 1964. Earthquake coverage is a separate purchase, so check your deductible too.
No Alaska FAIR Plan
Alaska does not maintain a traditional homeowners FAIR Plan. Shop admitted markets first; if declined, work with a licensed surplus-lines broker and the Alaska Division of Insurance.
Auto: Alaska 50/100/25
Alaska requires 50/100/25 liability (Alaska DMV mandatory insurance).
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Alaska.
Frequently asked questions
Should Anchorage owners buy earthquake coverage separately?
Usually yes—ask whether earthquake is excluded or limited on your homeowners form.
Which NRI geography covers Anchorage?
Anchorage Municipality (02020) on FEMA's National Risk Index viewer.
Does an Anchorage homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.