Short answer: Allegheny County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Pittsburgh tracts. 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 Pittsburgh area (Allegheny 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 Allegheny County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Allegheny County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Allegheny County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Allegheny County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 12 major disaster declarations that included Allegheny County since 1972, led by flood events (5), severe storm events (4) and snowstorm events (2). The most recent: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2013, Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms, 2010, Severe Storms and Flooding Associated With Tropical Depression Frances, 2004 and Tropical Depression Ivan, 2004. FEMA also lists 4 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Who pays for a sewage backup in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Water explains that parts of the public sewer can't handle heavy rain or snowmelt, so sewage can back up into basements. If you see sewage pooling, call 412-255-2423 and press 1, and a crew will check whether the main or your lateral is at fault. Pittsburgh Water handles a broken or clogged main. The owner is responsible for the lateral, and also for cleanup after a backup caused by storm volume in the combined sewer that drains once the rain stops. That's the case for a sewer backup endorsement on your homeowners policy.
The Flood Plain Overlay
Under the city's Flood Plain Overlay, Zoning Code Section 906.02, properties FEMA maps as A, AE or AE Floodway face extra development rules. FEMA's 0.2% annual-chance areas aren't regulated by the overlay. To check a property, turn on the "Current 1% Chance Annual Flood" layer in the city's zoning map. Most homeowners and renters policies don't cover flooding, and the city's NFIP participation is what makes flood insurance available.
Residual market: Pennsylvania FAIR Plan
Same statewide PA FAIR Plan as Philadelphia: eligible fixed-location property when voluntary markets will not write coverage. Apply directly or through a licensed property agent/broker.
Auto: Pennsylvania 15/30/5
PennDOT DMV insurance overview: at least 15/30/5.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
What auto liability does Pennsylvania require?
At least 15/30/5.
Does a Pittsburgh homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Does my Pittsburgh 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.