Short answer: Philadelphia County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks local hazards. The Pennsylvania FAIR Plan is the residual property market when voluntary writers decline you.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Philadelphia area (Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Philadelphia County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Philadelphia County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Philadelphia County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 16 major disaster declarations that included Philadelphia County since 1965, led by hurricane events (5), flood events (4) and snowstorm events (3). The most recent: Remnants of Hurricane Ida, 2021, Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm, 2016, Hurricane Sandy, 2013 and Tropical Storm Lee, 2011. FEMA also lists 7 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Philadelphia's 2026 hazard mitigation plan
The Office of Emergency Management's 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by City Council, FEMA and PEMA. It reviews 18 hazards the city faces, among them flooding, extreme heat, cyberattacks and large fires, and sets out projects to reduce their impact. Two of those hazards line up directly with insurance gaps homeowners tend to miss: flood damage needs its own policy, and heat-related failures such as a burned-out air conditioner are usually treated as maintenance rather than a covered loss.
Building or renovating in the floodplain
If a property sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the Department of Licenses and Inspections requires flood protection documents with every zoning or building permit application, and projects costing $50,000 or more need a flood protection scoping meeting before the permit is filed. L&I's existing-building form determines whether a renovation counts as a substantial improvement, which can trigger current floodplain rules. Keep the elevation certificate and permit records from that process; flood insurers use the elevation data when they rate the house.
Stormwater rules in the Wissahickon watershed
The Water Department notes that projects in the Wissahickon Creek watershed may face extra stormwater requirements and limits on impervious cover to reduce flooding and erosion. Owners planning additions or new paving there should budget for that review, and ask their agent whether sewer and water backup coverage is on the policy.
Residual market: Pennsylvania FAIR Plan
The PA FAIR Plan covers eligible fixed-location property when voluntary markets will not write coverage. Applicants need an insurable interest in Pennsylvania property and must meet Plan rules (including inspection access). Apply directly or through a licensed property agent/broker.
More for Philadelphia policyholders
Clear overgrowth before underwriting visits.
Rowhouse blocks and vacant-adjacent risk
Dense rowhouse blocks raise unique underwriting issues: party-wall fire exposure, vacant adjacent properties and basement sewer backup.
Auto: Pennsylvania 15/30/5
Pennsylvania DMV insurance overview cites minimum liability of $15,000 / $30,000 bodily injury and $5,000 property damage. Keep continuous coverage while the vehicle is registered.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach the Pennsylvania FAIR Plan?
Through pafairplan.com—apply directly or via a licensed property agent/broker.
Does a Philadelphia homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Does my Philadelphia 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.