Short answer: Madison County, Alabama's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Huntsville tracts.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Huntsville area (Madison 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 Madison County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Madison County, Alabama
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Madison County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Madison County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 11 major disaster declarations that included Madison County since 1973, led by severe storm events (6), tornado events (3) and hurricane events (1). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2019, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, 2011, Hurricane Ivan, 2004 and Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2003. FEMA also lists 8 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Fast water on small creeks
The City of Huntsville reports 29 square miles and more than 6,000 developed properties in the 100-year floodplain. That's 17% of the city's land. Its smaller streams flash-flood. In June 1999, about 6 inches of rain in two hours raised Aldridge Creek 8 feet at Mountain Gap Road in half an hour, and one person died. The city has since bought out and removed homes in the Aldridge Creek floodway and turned flood-prone land along Aldridge, Big Cove and Indian creeks into greenways.
What the city recommends
Huntsville is a Class 8 community in the Community Rating System, which gives floodplain residents a 10% discount on flood insurance. The city points out that in Huntsville floods, contents damage is usually as heavy as damage to the structure. Many lender-required policies cover only the building, so it's worth adding contents coverage. Call Engineering at 256-427-5300 for a free flood zone determination, or to ask whether there's an elevation certificate on file for a newer floodplain home.
More for Huntsville policyholders
North Alabama has no FAIR Plan of its own. For the official rules, see AIUA.
Auto: Alabama 25/50/25
Alabama's Department of Insurance (auto FAQs) sets the floor at $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 per crash and $25,000 for property damage.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Alabama.
Frequently asked questions
Is a storm shelter covered by homeowners insurance?
Ask—detached shelters are often treated as other structures; confirm limits.
What auto liability does Alabama require?
25/50/25.
Does a Huntsville 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.