Short answer: Cuyahoga County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Cleveland tracts. The Ohio FAIR Plan is the residual property market for eligible homes.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Cleveland area (Cuyahoga 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 Cuyahoga County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Cuyahoga County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Cuyahoga County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Cuyahoga County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 13 major disaster declarations that included Cuyahoga County since 1965, led by severe storm events (5), flood events (4) and tornado events (3). The most recent: Severe Storms and Flooding Due to the Remnants of Hurricane Sandy, 2013, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line Winds, and Flooding, 2006, Severe Storms and Flooding, 2004 and Severe Storms and Flooding, 2004. FEMA also lists 4 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
One pipe for rain and sewage
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District still runs a combined sewer network, with sewage and stormwater sharing the same pipe, and it says heavy rain can push those pipes past what they can handle. Its 25-year Project Clean Lake is building seven storage tunnels, up to 24 feet across, and aims to capture over 98% of wet-weather flow by 2036. The Euclid Creek, Dugway, Doan Valley and Westerly tunnels are already running.
Who fixes a basement backup
Cleveland Water Pollution Control says property owners are responsible for sewer problems from the house to the curb. That includes sewage backed up in the basement. Call WPC at (216) 664-2513 for an inspection before hiring a plumber, and keep a detailed receipt either way. Standard homeowners policies usually exclude sewer and drain backup, so ask whether yours has a water backup endorsement and what its limit is.
The August 2023 flash flood
The National Weather Service in Cleveland reports that storms on the night of August 23–24, 2023 dropped 5 to 7 inches of rain in places along the lakeshore between Toledo and Cleveland, most of it in a few hours. Three miles of I-90 west of Cleveland were closed with water rescues, police and fire crews in Lakewood reported multiple flooded basements, and Cleveland firefighters closed parts of MLK near I-90. Water coming in from outside needs a flood policy, and water backing up through a floor drain needs a backup endorsement.
Residual market: Ohio FAIR Plan
Same statewide Ohio FAIR Plan as Columbus: residual property coverage subject to Plan guidelines. Apply through a licensed Ohio agent.
Auto: Ohio 25/50/25
The Ohio BMV requires 25/50/25 financial responsibility for the whole registration period.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Ohio.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I confirm Ohio auto minimums?
Ohio Department of Insurance consumer auto materials.
Does a Cleveland homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Does my Cleveland landlord's policy cover my belongings?
No; renters insurance covers them.
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.