Short answer: Polk County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Des Moines tracts. The Iowa FAIR Plan covers eligible dwellings after a recent rejection, cancellation or nonrenewal. Keep property maintained and carry Iowa-required auto liability.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Des Moines area (Polk 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 Polk County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Polk County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Polk County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Polk County
Since 1965, Polk County has been part of 18 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (8), flood events (8) and tornado events (1). The most recent: Severe Storms and Flooding, 2026, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2024, Severe Storms and Tornadoes, 2024 and Severe Storms, 2020. FEMA also lists 1 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
After 2008 and 2018
The City of Des Moines says the 2008 and 2018 floods sped up its flood work. It's raising and repairing levees along the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in eight phases, with completion expected in 2028. After the June 30, 2018 flash flood it rebuilt storm sewers in the Closes Creek area. In Highland Park, new storm sewers cut the number of properties FEMA requires to carry flood insurance from 175 to 1. The city also spent $12.7 million buying out repeatedly flooded homes along Fourmile Creek.
Class 5 and strict rebuilding rules
In August 2024, Des Moines moved up to Class 5 in the Community Rating System, which carries a 25% premium reduction in the CRS discount table the city published. Under the city's floodplain rules, the lowest floor of a substantially damaged or improved building must be 3 feet above the 100-year flood elevation. The city notes that flooding can also come from winter ice jams. Sirens aren't used for flood warnings, so sign up for Polk County's Code RED alerts.
The 2008 crest and Birdland
The National Weather Service in Des Moines says the city got 13.4 inches of rain between May 22 and June 15, 2008, including a record 4.15 inches on June 5. The Des Moines River at 2nd Avenue crested at 31.57 feet on June 13, with more than 50,000 cubic feet per second of flow. The next day a levee breach near Birdland, close to downtown, led to voluntary and mandatory evacuations of about 270 homes. Living behind a levee lowers your risk but doesn't remove it, so price a flood policy anyway.
Residual market: Iowa FAIR Plan
The Iowa FAIR Plan offers a dwelling property program for eligible one-to-four family Iowa dwellings. Eligibility materials commonly require a rejection, nonrenewal or cancellation within a recent window and exclude certain vacant/unsafe conditions—confirm current rules with a licensed Iowa agent.
Property maintenance
City of Des Moines codes address tall grass, weeds and vacant structures. Clear before underwriting.
Auto: Iowa 20/40/15
The Iowa Insurance Division and Iowa Code § 321A.21 set minimum liability at $20,000/$40,000/$15,000.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Iowa.
Frequently asked questions
What triggers Iowa FAIR Plan eligibility?
Typically a recent rejection, cancellation or nonrenewal plus underwriting standards—see iowafairplan.com and your agent.
Which NRI county covers Des Moines?
Polk County (19153).
Where do I confirm Iowa auto minimums?
Iowa Insurance Division / DOT publications.
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.