Short answer: North Carolina is unusual: since FEMA designated it a Cooperating Technical Partner State in 2000, the state's Floodplain Mapping Program has taken primary ownership and responsibility of the flood insurance rate maps for North Carolina communities. You can look up any address in the state's Flood Risk Information System (FRIS). NC Emergency Management's Floodplain Management Branch coordinates the NFIP with local communities.
This guide is general information for North Carolina property owners and renters about flood risk and the National Flood Insurance Program. It isn't a coverage determination. FEMA maps, your community's floodplain ordinance and your policy wording control.
Maps made by the state
Per NC Emergency Management's North Carolina Floodplain Management Quick Guide, FEMA designated North Carolina a Cooperating Technical Partner State in 2000, which created the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program. As a cooperating technical state, North Carolina assumed primary ownership and responsibility of the FIRMs for all its NFIP communities, including producing updated digital maps. The same guide says the Floodplain Management Branch coordinates the NFIP with local communities.
Check your address in FRIS
The Flood Risk Information System is the state's lookup for flood hazard maps, models, risk assessments and downloadable GIS data. Enter an address or county to see your zone, then call your local floodplain administrator about elevation certificates and permits. For how North Carolina's coast compares with other Atlantic and Gulf states, see our flood zone guide.
Coverage
Homeowners policies generally exclude flood. Quote NFIP through FloodSmart, expect the usual 30-day wait, and ask your agent about private flood products approved by the NC Department of Insurance.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes North Carolina's flood maps?
The North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program, which assumed primary ownership of FIRMs as a Cooperating Technical State.
How do I check a North Carolina flood zone?
Use the state's Flood Risk Information System (FRIS) at fris.nc.gov.
Who coordinates the NFIP in North Carolina?
NC Emergency Management's Floodplain Management Branch.
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.