Short answer: Jefferson County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Louisville tracts. The Kentucky FAIR Plan is the residual property market when standard writers will not take you. Keep lots maintained and carry Kentucky-required auto liability (including PIP as required).
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Louisville area (Jefferson 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 Jefferson County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Jefferson County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Jefferson County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Jefferson County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 18 major disaster declarations that included Jefferson County since 1974, led by severe storm events (10), flood events (4) and severe ice storm events (1). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2025, Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2025, Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2024 and Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023. FEMA also lists 5 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Three kinds of flooding in Louisville
MSD, which runs floodplain management for Louisville Metro, describes three sources of flooding: the Ohio River, flash floods on interior streams, and storm sewers that back up when they're overloaded. MSD issues floodplain permits, enforces the local Floodplain Management Ordinance through the Floodplain Board, and maintains the flood protection system. Sewer backup isn't covered by a standard flood policy or a homeowners policy, so consider adding a backup endorsement if your basement has drains.
A Class 3 discount and free elevation certificates
Louisville Metro has held a Class 3 rating in FEMA's Community Rating System since 2016. That gives NFIP policyholders up to a 35% discount on flood insurance premiums, applied automatically. MSD has collected elevation certificates since 1990. If your address is on its list, email [email protected] for a copy before you pay a surveyor for a new one.
The August 2009 downpour
The National Weather Service in Louisville says up to 6 inches of rain fell on central Louisville between 7 and 10 a.m. on August 4, 2009, with rates up to 8.80 inches an hour. Nearly 200 people were rescued from the tops of cars and houses, I-65 and I-264 were closed, and water poured into homes, the main downtown library and the University of Louisville campus. The airport's 4.53 inches beat an August daily record set in 1879. That was a rainfall flash flood, not an Ohio River flood, and a flood policy covers both.
Residual market: Kentucky FAIR Plan
Kentucky Insurance Plans – FAIR describes residual property coverage for eligible Kentucky risks that cannot obtain standard-market insurance. Apply through a licensed Kentucky producer. Auto residual coverage is a separate Kentucky Automobile Insurance Plan path.
More for Louisville policyholders
Codes and vacant-property enforcement also target overgrown lots—clear vegetation and secure vacant structures before underwriting, especially after severe-weather seasons.
Metro Louisville vacant-property and weed rules still apply even when weather risk dominates the conversation.
Auto: Kentucky liability and PIP
The Kentucky Department of Insurance requires basic PIP of $10,000 per person plus 25/50/25 liability (or a $60,000 single limit); drivers may file a no-fault rejection, giving up basic PIP.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Kentucky.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kentucky FAIR Plan?
Residual property coverage via kyinsplans.org when standard markets will not write eligible risks.
Does the FAIR Plan include auto?
No. Auto assigned risk is separate.
Which NRI county covers Louisville?
Jefferson County (21111).
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.