Short answer: Denver County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks local natural hazards for the city and county. Colorado now operates a FAIR Plan for homeowners who cannot find standard coverage. Keep vegetation maintained under Denver's vegetation chapter, and carry at least 25/50/15 liability to drive.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Denver area (Denver 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 Denver County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Denver County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Denver County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Denver County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 5 major disaster declarations that included Denver County since 1965, led by flood events (3), fire events (1) and tornado events (1). The most recent: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2015, Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2013, Wildfires, 2002 and Heavy Rains, Snowmelt and Flooding, 1973. FEMA also lists 4 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Denver's flood discount and zones
The City and County of Denver became a Community Rating System Class 6 community on April 1, 2023, moving up from Class 7. That means a 20% discount for flood insurance policyholders. Federal law requires flood insurance on a primary building that has a federally backed loan and sits in a zone with an A designation (A, AE, AH, AO, AR or A99). In Zones X and D it's optional, though the city points out that a lender can require it anyway.
Remodeling in the floodplain
In Denver, the regulatory floodplain is FEMA's Special Flood Hazard Area. The city's floodplain map explains that any construction there, even an interior remodel, needs a Sewer Use and Drainage Permit for floodplain use. The city also says the map doesn't show all of Denver's flood risk, and it recommends flood insurance even where it isn't required, because most homeowners policies don't cover flood.
Residual market: Colorado FAIR Plan
The Colorado Division of Insurance FAIR Plan page and coloradofairplan.com eligibility describe the state's residual property market. Homeowners generally need multiple standard-market declinations and must apply through a licensed agent registered with the Plan. Confirm current product availability and limits on the Plan's site before you rely on it.
Vegetation and nuisance rules
For the official rules, see Chapter 57 Vegetation. Clear lots before underwriting photos.
Auto: Colorado 25/50/15
The Colorado Division of Insurance auto page cites minimum liability of $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident and $15,000 property damage. Keep continuous coverage while the vehicle is registered.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Colorado.
Frequently asked questions
What auto liability does Colorado require?
At least 25/50/15 per Colorado DOI auto guidance.
Does a Denver homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Does my Denver 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.