Short answer: Erie County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Buffalo tracts. NYPIUA is New York's FAIR Plan.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Buffalo area (Erie County). 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 Erie County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Erie County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Erie County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Erie County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 13 major disaster declarations that included Erie County since 1976, led by severe storm events (6), snowstorm events (5) and fire events (1). The most recent: Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm, 2023, Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, 2019, Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding, 2014 and Severe Storms and Flooding, 2009. FEMA also lists 12 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Lake-effect snow and the Blizzard of '22
New York's after-action review of the December 2022 blizzard says blizzard conditions lasted about 37 consecutive hours at Buffalo's airport. Winds reached nearly 70 mph and stranded drivers across the city. NOAA counted 32 deaths, and Erie County put the toll at 47. Only a month earlier, a November lake-effect storm had dropped 36.9 inches of snow on Buffalo.
What that means for your policies
Erie County's hazard mitigation plan lists severe winter storms among the county's hazards. In Buffalo, the claims to plan for are roof damage from snow load, burst pipes and ice dams, and cars that are stuck, buried or hit while abandoned. Comprehensive coverage handles most weather damage to a car. On your homeowners policy, check how water from frozen pipes and ice dams is treated.
Residual market: NYPIUA
The New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association writes basic property coverage when the voluntary market will not. New York DFS explains options under problems obtaining insurance.
Auto: New York DMV liability
NY DMV requires New York-issued liability: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury, $50,000/$100,000 death and $10,000 property damage.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in New York.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a roof collapse from snow?
Weight of snow is commonly a covered collapse cause; read your form's collapse section.
What is NYPIUA?
New York's FAIR Plan for property the voluntary market won't write.
Can I register a car in New York with out-of-state insurance?
No. DMV requires New York-issued liability coverage.
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.