Short answer: Lancaster County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Lincoln tracts. Nebraska has no traditional FAIR Plan.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Lincoln area (Lancaster 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 Lancaster County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Lancaster County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Lancaster County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Lancaster County
Since 1967, Lancaster 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 (5) and winter storm events (1). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, 2025, Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds, 2025, Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2024 and Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, 2019. FEMA also lists 1 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Behind the Salt Creek levees
Salt Creek carries runoff from all of Lincoln and most of Lancaster County. The city's Salt Creek Floodplain Resiliency Study notes that the levees between Calvert Street and Superior Street are provisionally certified federal levees and protect against most floods. In a 100-year flood, though, they would overtop and cause widespread flooding. If your home is near Salt Creek, look at the city's floodplain map before you decide against a flood policy.
A Class 5 city
Lincoln has taken part in FEMA's Community Rating System since October 1991 and is now Class 5. The city says that means a 25% discount for floodplain property owners who carry flood insurance. The USGS and the Lower Platte South NRD run 14 rain gauges and 6 stream gauges around the city for flood warnings. Older homes built before current standards or FEMA mapping may have utilities below flood level. Lenders require flood insurance in FEMA floodplains, and an NFIP policy usually takes 30 days to start.
No Nebraska FAIR Plan
Nebraska has no statewide homeowners FAIR Plan; declined homes go to licensed surplus-lines brokers. The Nebraska Department of Insurance handles consumer questions.
More for Lincoln policyholders
Renters policies are inexpensive and cover belongings and liability; first-time buyers should compare actual cash value and replacement cost on roofs before closing. Hosting large football-weekend gatherings raises liability exposure, and an umbrella policy adds a layer above home and auto limits.
Auto: 25/50/25 plus UM/UIM
The Nebraska DOI lists 25/50/25 minimum liability; Nebraska law (§ 44-6408) also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000/$50,000.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Nebraska.
Frequently asked questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Nebraska?
Yes, $25,000/$50,000 UM and UIM.
What liability does Nebraska require?
25/50/25.
Does a Lincoln 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.