Short answer: Pennsylvania standard property policies generally exclude flood. Check FEMA maps, then buy NFIP or private flood coverage. PEMA now handles floodplain management for the commonwealth, and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department publishes flood-insurance consumer guidance, including the usual 30-day NFIP waiting period.
This guide is general information for Pennsylvania 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 and coverage
Use FEMA's Flood Map Service Center for the official flood zone. Buyers with federally backed loans in an SFHA generally must insure. Owners and renters outside the SFHA can still buy NFIP building or contents coverage through FloodSmart. Most new NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period. Private flood markets may offer different limits and waiting periods.
PEMA floodplain management
Pennsylvania moved NFIP and floodplain-management responsibilities from DCED to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency in 2021. PEMA provides floodplain technical assistance, mapping support and community coordination. For program questions, PEMA publishes floodplain-management contacts.
Insurance Department consumer help
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department flood insurance page explains NFIP and private flood options for consumers and notes the usual 30-day NFIP waiting period. Use it alongside FloodSmart when comparing quotes.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
Who handles floodplain management in Pennsylvania?
PEMA, which took over from DCED in 2021.
What's the usual NFIP waiting period in Pennsylvania?
30 days for most new policies.
Where can Pennsylvanians read official flood-insurance consumer guidance?
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department's flood insurance page.
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.