Short answer: Shelby County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Memphis tracts. Tennessee has no homeowners FAIR Plan, so hard-to-place homes go to surplus lines after declinations.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Memphis area (Shelby 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 Shelby County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Shelby County
Check FEMA's National Risk Index and the Shelby County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Shelby County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 22 major disaster declarations that included Shelby County since 1973, led by severe storm events (16), winter storm events (2) and severe ice storm events (2). The most recent: Severe Winter Storm, 2026, Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2025, Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds, 2023 and Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds, 2023. FEMA also lists 4 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
New Madrid and liquefaction
Shelby County's hazard mitigation page lists moderate-to-severe earthquake damage alongside floods, tornadoes and heat. The plan covers Memphis and the county's other cities. The University of Memphis's USGS-funded 2015 urban hazard maps say a simplified map would show severe shaking hazard across the whole county. They show severe liquefaction hazard in the Mississippi, Loosahatchie and Wolf river floodplains, but not along Nonconnah Creek. Homeowners policies exclude earthquake, so it needs its own coverage.
After the 2011 floods
Shelby County's resilience office says severe storms and floods in April and May 2011 made the county eligible for a federal resilience competition. In 2016 it won $60 million for projects along Big Creek, the Wolf River and South Cypress Creek. Flooding from those creeks isn't covered by a standard homeowners policy. NFIP flood policies usually take 30 days to start, so don't wait for a forecast.
No Tennessee FAIR Plan
Tennessee does not run a FAIR Plan. When admitted insurers decline, a licensed surplus-lines broker may place coverage after the state's declination requirement is met.
Auto: Tennessee 25/50/25
Tennessee requires $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 liability as commonly published by the state—confirm current figures with TDCI when you buy.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Tennessee.
Frequently asked questions
Which NRI county covers Memphis?
Shelby County (47157).
Does a Memphis homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Does my Memphis landlord's policy cover my belongings?
No; renters insurance covers them.
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.