Short answer: Baltimore city's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks local hazards. The Maryland Joint Insurance Association (MDJIA) is the FAIR Plan for residual property coverage. Keep property maintained under City codes, and carry at least 30/60/15 liability plus required PIP/UM.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Baltimore area (Baltimore city). 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 Baltimore city) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Baltimore city
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Baltimore city report (independent city FIPS).
Federal disaster declarations in Baltimore city
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 14 major disaster declarations that included Baltimore city since 1971, led by snowstorm events (5), hurricane events (3) and severe storm events (3). The most recent: Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm, 2016, Hurricane Sandy, 2012, Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds, 2012 and Hurricane Irene, 2011. FEMA also lists 6 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Baltimore's flood insurance discount
The Baltimore Office of Sustainability says the city's floodplain management work qualifies NFIP policies issued or renewed in Special Flood Hazard Areas on or after May 1, 2016 for a 25% premium discount through FEMA's Community Rating System. Joining the CRS was a goal of the city's Disaster Preparedness Project and Plan. The discount applies to property owners who meet the program's criteria, so if you're in a mapped flood zone, check that your policy shows it.
Protecting property in Baltimore's floodplain
The city's Floodplain Management Program runs out of the Office of Sustainability, at 417 E. Fayette St. Contact the office before you build or renovate in a mapped flood area. Homeowners policies don't cover flood, so a separate NFIP or private flood policy is the way to protect a building and its contents.
Tidal and river flood zones
Baltimore City Code § 2-3 makes FEMA's latest Flood Insurance Rate Map the city's official floodplain map, based on the Flood Insurance Study dated June 16, 2021. § 2-4 sorts the tidal floodplain into Zones AE, V, VE and X, each with its own elevation rules. FEMA has also issued preliminary maps. The Planning Department holds them and runs the appeal process. Check both versions, because a zone change can change your flood premium.
Residual market: Maryland Joint Insurance Association
MDJIA is Maryland's FAIR Plan for homeowners, dwelling-fire and commercial-fire residual coverage. Apply through a licensed Maryland producer under Association rules; it does not write auto.
Property maintenance
Baltimore housing and property-maintenance codes address vacant buildings and overgrown lots. Clear vegetation and secure vacant structures before underwriting.
Rowhouses and shared walls
Much of Baltimore's housing is attached rowhouses. A fire or water leak next door can spread through a shared wall or roof, so confirm your dwelling limit covers full rebuilding of your unit, and note that damage that starts in a neighbor's home is often handled between the two insurers. Flat rowhouse roofs and basement drains are frequent underwriting questions; sewer-backup coverage is a separate endorsement.
Auto: Maryland 30/60/15
MDOT MVA auto insurance requirements cite minimum liability of $30,000 / $60,000 bodily injury and $15,000 property damage, plus required PIP and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages described in MIA consumer materials.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Maryland.
Frequently asked questions
What is MDJIA?
Maryland's FAIR Plan—residual property coverage through licensed producers.
What auto liability does Maryland require?
At least 30/60/15 plus required PIP/UM per MVA/MIA materials.
Does a Baltimore 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.