Short answer: Allen County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Fort Wayne tracts. The Indiana FAIR Plan offers basic residual property coverage.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Fort Wayne area (Allen 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 Allen County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Allen County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Allen County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Allen County
Since 1978, Allen County has been part of 10 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (7) and flood events (3). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, 2023, Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm, 2014, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2009 and Severe Storms and Flooding, 2008. FEMA also lists 6 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Three rivers and the 1982 flood
Fort Wayne sits where the St. Marys and St. Joseph rivers join to form the Maumee. A National Weather Service account of March 1982 describes record winter snow melting under rain. The St. Marys overtopped dikes in the Nebraska neighborhood and forced more than 3,000 people from their homes, and the Maumee stayed above flood stage for two weeks. Volunteers stacked more than a million sandbags to hold the Pemberton Drive dike that protected Lakeside.
Where the damage concentrates
A USGS flood-inundation study found that most of the city's flood damage has been along the St. Marys River and tributaries such as Junk Ditch and Fairfield Ditch. It also notes that Fort Wayne's floodplains are heavily built up with homes and businesses. The study's inundation maps tie flood depths to the St. Marys streamgage, so they can show what a forecast crest would mean for your street. Levees along the channel lower the risk but don't remove it, so check your zone even if you live behind one.
Backed-up sewers and the Lakeside dike
The 1982 account says that as the Maumee passed 5 feet over flood stage on March 13, water bubbled into the streets as sewers backed up. Water also backed up into Fairfield and Junk ditches. More than 6,000 people were evacuated from Lakeside as a precaution before the Pemberton Drive dike held, preventing an estimated $25 million in additional damage. Flood and sewer backup are covered separately. A flood policy covers rising water, and a homeowners endorsement covers backup through your drains.
Residual market: Indiana FAIR Plan
The Indiana FAIR Plan writes basic property coverage for eligible homes declined in the standard market; apply through a licensed Indiana agent.
More for Fort Wayne policyholders
Check your parcel on the MSC and add sewer-backup coverage for basements.
Auto: Indiana 25/50/25
The Indiana BMV lists 25/50/25 minimum financial responsibility.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Indiana.
Frequently asked questions
Does Indiana have a FAIR Plan?
Yes.
What auto liability does Indiana require?
25/50/25.
Does a Fort Wayne 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.