Short answer: Monroe County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Rochester tracts. NYPIUA is New York's FAIR Plan.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Rochester area (Monroe 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 Monroe County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Monroe County
See FEMA's National Risk Index and the Monroe County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Monroe County
Since 1972, Monroe County has been part of 12 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (4), flood events (3) and severe ice storm events (2). The most recent: Flooding, 2017, Severe Storms and Flooding, 2004, Severe Storms and Flooding, 2004 and Ice Storm, 2003. FEMA also lists 7 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Genesee River and its dams
The City of Rochester annex to Monroe County's hazard mitigation plan describes a city on Lake Ontario's south shore, split by the Genesee River. Three dams on the river inside the city become run-of-the-river during floods: Driving Park and Central Avenue, controlled by RG&E, and Court Street, run by New York State. Gates on each side of the Barge Canal can seal the canal off from high river water.
Basements in summer storms
The annex's event table shows how often summer storms flood basements in the city. During the June–July 2013 storms, the May 2014 storms and the July 28, 2014 flash flood, Rochester firefighters answered multiple calls about flooded basements. Water that comes in from outside needs flood insurance. Water that backs up through the floor drain needs a sewer-backup endorsement. Ask your agent which of these your policy covers.
Residual market: NYPIUA
When voluntary insurers decline, NYPIUA writes basic fire and property coverage upstate as well as downstate; DFS outlines alternatives on its problems obtaining insurance page.
Auto: New York DMV
NY DMV: New York-issued liability with $25,000/$50,000 injury, $50,000/$100,000 death and $10,000 property damage.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in New York.
Frequently asked questions
Does NYPIUA write upstate homes?
Yes, it is statewide.
What auto liability does New York require?
25/50 injury, 50/100 death, $10,000 property damage, New York-issued.
Does a Rochester homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
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.