Short answer: Lexington-Fayette's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for the merged city-county. The Kentucky FAIR Plan offers residual property coverage.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Lexington area (Fayette 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 Fayette County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Fayette County
Lexington and Fayette County share one urban-county government; open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Fayette County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Fayette County
Since 1978, Fayette County has been part of 13 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (7), flood events (3) and snowstorm events (2). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2024, Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023, Severe, Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2021 and Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Tornadoes, 2010. FEMA also lists 6 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Flood risk when buying in Fayette County
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government cautions buyers not to rely on a realtor to flag flood risk, because realtors often don't know. Check the LFUCG Flood Hazard Zone Viewer or FEMA's map, or ask Planning, before you make an offer. The city has copies of elevation certificates for some Fayette County properties. Any resident can buy federal flood insurance, and it's required for a mortgage on a home in a designated flood hazard area.
A better rating, lower premiums
In February 2024, the city announced an improved rating in FEMA's Community Rating System and said residents should see flood premiums drop by about 5%. FEMA based the rating on Lexington's flood mitigation, development limits, erosion control and emergency planning. Floodplains here are regulated under Article 19 of the Zoning Ordinance, and the Stormwater Quality Incentive Grant helps owners reduce runoff.
Residual market: Kentucky FAIR Plan
Kentucky Insurance Plans – FAIR provides residual property coverage for eligible risks that cannot be placed in the standard market. Apply through a licensed Kentucky producer.
Karst ground and sinkholes
Lexington sits on Inner Bluegrass limestone karst; the Kentucky Geological Survey karst resources include sinkhole maps covering Fayette County.
Auto: liability and PIP
Under Kentucky's Motor Vehicle Reparations Act, the Department of Insurance requires basic PIP of $10,000 per person plus liability of 25/50/25 (or a $60,000 combined limit). Drivers may reject the no-fault tort limitation by filing the Department's form before an accident, which gives up basic PIP benefits.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Kentucky.
Frequently asked questions
Are sinkholes covered in Lexington?
Usually not under standard earth-movement exclusions—ask about any available endorsement.
Which NRI county is Lexington?
Fayette County (21067), the merged urban county.
Does Kentucky require PIP?
Yes: $10,000 basic PIP plus 25/50/25 liability, unless you file a no-fault rejection.
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.