Short answer: Essex County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Newark tracts. The New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association (NJIUA) is the FAIR Plan when voluntary markets will not write you. Keep property maintained under City codes and carry New Jersey-required auto liability.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Newark area (Essex 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 Essex County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Essex County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Essex County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Essex County
Since 1965, Essex County has been part of 20 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (6), flood events (6) and hurricane events (5). The most recent: Remnants of Hurricane Ida, 2021, Tropical Storm Isaias, 2020, Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm, 2018 and Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm, 2016. FEMA also lists 11 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Newark's flood record in the county plan
Newark's annex to the 2025 Essex County Hazard Mitigation Plan says the city's flooding is concentrated in FEMA's mapped Special Flood Hazard Area along the Passaic River and Newark Bay. FEMA data cited in the plan show only 225 active NFIP policies in the city, but 338 past flood losses and 26 repetitive-loss properties. In other words, Newark has more flood claims on record than current policies. The remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021 caused widespread flash and river flooding across northeast New Jersey.
Tidal flooding by the river
Coastal flood statements here aren't only about the shore. On May 22, 2025, the city relayed a National Weather Service statement for eastern Essex County that warned of up to six inches of water in vulnerable spots near the Passaic River and other waterfronts. If you live or park near the river, follow NWS New York alerts. Under New Jersey's flood disclosure law (P.L. 2023, c. 93), sellers and most landlords must tell you whether a home is in a FEMA flood area and whether it has flooded before.
Residual market: New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association
NJIUA / NJ FAIR Plan provides residual property coverage statewide for eligible applicants who cannot obtain voluntary-market insurance and meet underwriting rules. Apply through a licensed New Jersey producer.
Vacant buildings and lot condition
Secure vacant structures, remove trash and keep vegetation controlled before NJIUA or voluntary-market inspections; condition issues are a common residual-market stumbling block.
Auto: New Jersey 2026 minimums
Per NJ DOBI Bulletin 25-06, standard policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026 need $35,000/$70,000/$25,000 liability and $15,000 PIP; see the standard policy page for the lower-cost Basic Policy.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions
What is NJIUA?
New Jersey's FAIR Plan for residual property coverage when voluntary markets will not write eligible risks.
Which NRI county covers Newark?
Essex County (34013).
Where do I confirm NJ auto minimums?
NJ DOBI / MVC publications for your policy date.
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.