Short answer: Washoe County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Reno tracts. Nevada has no homeowners FAIR Plan, so declined homes go to surplus lines.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Reno area (Washoe 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 Washoe County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Washoe County
Check FEMA's National Risk Index and the Washoe County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Washoe County
Since 1965, Washoe County has been part of 6 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (4) and flood events (2). The most recent: Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides, 2017, Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides, 2017, Severe Storms and Flooding, 2006 and Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Landslides, 1997. FEMA also lists 4 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Winter floods on the Truckee
The Truckee River Flood Management Authority, set up by Reno, Sparks and Washoe County, notes that many of the region's worst floods come in winter. It says the 1997 New Year's Flood did about $700 million in damage in Washoe County alone. In January 2017, a run of atmospheric-river storms led Reno, Sparks and Washoe County to declare a joint state of emergency and set up sandbag sites and shelters, according to the Nevada Division of Emergency Management. Winter flood risk is easy to forget in a desert city, but it's well documented here.
Where to check your map
The City of Reno's Flood & Drainage section keeps the city's copies of the FEMA flood maps, and Development Services handles map-change requests such as LOMRs. TRFMA lists sandbag locations around the Truckee Meadows and links to flood maps. Find your zone before you buy, and don't take the absence of a lender requirement to mean you have no flood risk.
No Nevada FAIR Plan
The Nevada Division of Insurance homeowners pages describe no state FAIR Plan. If admitted carriers decline, a licensed surplus-lines broker can search non-admitted markets; DOI can help with complaints.
More for Reno policyholders
For the official rules, see USGS Fact Sheet 123-97.
Auto: Nevada 25/50/20
Nevada DMV requires at least 25/50/20 liability and electronically verifies insurance for registered vehicles.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Nevada.
Frequently asked questions
Can Reno homeowners use a FAIR Plan?
No. Nevada does not have one; surplus lines is the usual fallback.
Does homeowners insurance cover Reno earthquakes?
Not on standard forms; earthquake is a separate endorsement or policy.
What auto liability does Nevada require?
At least 25/50/20.
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.