Short answer: Dane County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Madison tracts. The Wisconsin Insurance Plan is the state's FAIR Plan.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Madison area (Dane 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 Dane County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Dane County
Check FEMA's National Risk Index and the Dane County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Dane County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 13 major disaster declarations that included Dane County since 1976, led by severe storm events (8), flood events (2) and tornado events (2). The most recent: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Landslides, 2018, Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm, 2011, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2008 and Severe Storms and Flooding, 2007. FEMA also lists 4 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Two kinds of flooding
The City of Madison's flooding page separates flash flooding, when streets and storm sewers are overwhelmed in heavy rain, from lake-level flooding on the Yahara chain. The city had historic flooding in August 2018. It publishes a historical street-flooding map and a watershed flood-risk map that shows depths for a 1% storm. Your home doesn't need to sit next to a lake to take on water.
Groundwater on the isthmus
Madison warns that groundwater flooding can happen in filled wetlands, particularly on the isthmus, after several wet seasons in a row, and it can flood basements in older homes. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood and seepage. Ask your agent about NFIP or private flood coverage and a sewer or water backup endorsement, and check Dane County's FEMA floodplain information for your address.
The August 2018 storm
A City Engineering presentation for the Wingra West watershed study records 6.72 inches of rain in 14 hours on August 20, 2018, at a Madison gauge on Camelot Drive. Most of the damage was on the West Side, and most of it was to homes. The city put public infrastructure damage at $4 million and reported private property losses of $17.5 million, which it estimated at $30 million. If yours is near a street on the city's historical flooding map, price a flood policy now.
What the weather service recorded
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan says the August 20–21, 2018 storm brought torrential rain to Dane County, heaviest west of Madison, where several gauges topped 10 inches and major flooding followed. Its storm reports include heavy-rain totals from Cross Plains and Middleton, and its photos show flooding in Madison and damage to Highway 14. Most of southern Wisconsin got between a half inch and about two inches, which shows how concentrated a storm like this can be.
Residual market: Wisconsin Insurance Plan
The Wisconsin Insurance Plan writes residual property insurance for eligible properties; its FAQ explains the process through a licensed producer.
Auto: Wisconsin 25/50/10
Wisconsin DOT lists 25/50/10 minimum liability.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Wisconsin.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin have a FAIR Plan?
Yes, the Wisconsin Insurance Plan.
What auto liability does Wisconsin require?
25/50/10.
Does a Madison 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.