Short answer: Fresno County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Fresno tracts.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Fresno area (Fresno 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 Fresno County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Fresno County
Check FEMA's National Risk Index and the Fresno County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Fresno County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 12 major disaster declarations that included Fresno County since 1969, led by severe storm events (4), flood events (4) and freezing events (3). The most recent: Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023, Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023, Wildfires, 2020 and Severe Freeze, 2007. FEMA also lists 4 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Why most Fresno homes aren't in a flood zone
The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District explains that its dams took most of the Fresno-Clovis area out of the 100-year floodplain. That's why most owners aren't required to buy flood insurance. The District runs six dams on the foothill streams in eastern Fresno County. Water from the San Joaquin and Kings rivers, which are controlled by Friant and Pine Flat dams, doesn't flow into Fresno and Clovis.
Dam failure isn't covered
Since the 2017 Oroville Dam crisis, California dam owners have had to do public outreach, and the District publishes an Inundation Finder showing where water could go if a dam breached. The District says a typical homeowners policy wouldn't cover damage from a dam failure, and it suggests asking your insurer. Its "Extremely High Risk" ratings reflect how many people live downstream, not the condition of the dams. You can still check your lender's requirements on FEMA's flood map.
Dry weeds on vacant lots
The City of Fresno's Code Enforcement Division runs citywide weed abatement inspections under Municipal Code Section 10-605, which requires vacant and unimproved lots to be free of nuisance violations year-round. Violations carry citations from $250 to $1,000. The city can also hire a contractor to clear the lot and bill the owner for the work plus administrative fees. If you own a vacant lot, a liability policy for the land protects you if someone is hurt there.
Residual market: California FAIR Plan
If admitted carriers won't write a foothill property, the California FAIR Plan offers basic fire coverage through a licensed agent.
More for Fresno policyholders
Long triple-digit summers age asphalt shingles and stress air-conditioning systems; mechanical breakdown is not a homeowners peril, so consider a home-systems endorsement or warranty.
Auto: California 30/60/15
Since January 1, 2025, California DMV requires at least $30,000/$60,000 bodily injury and $15,000 property damage for policies issued or renewed on or after that date.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in California.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a broken AC unit?
Not wear or breakdown—only covered perils; equipment breakdown needs an endorsement.
What auto liability does California require?
30/60/15.
Does a Fresno 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.