Short answer: Sacramento County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Sacramento tracts. The California FAIR Plan is the residual property market when admitted writers will not take you.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Sacramento area (Sacramento 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 Sacramento County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Sacramento County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Sacramento County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Sacramento County
Since 1964, Sacramento County has been part of 16 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (7), flood events (7) and earthquake events (1). The most recent: Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023, Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023, Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides, 2017 and Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides, 2017. FEMA also lists 5 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Behind the levees
The City of Sacramento says that less than 25% of the city is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, but every property is at risk because the city depends on levees that can be overtopped or fail in winter storms. Flood risk comes from the Sacramento and American rivers and from local creeks whose drainage relies on pumps. The city strongly encourages all owners to carry flood insurance, and renters to insure their own belongings. Questions go to the Floodplain Hotline at 916-808-5061.
Maps of what happens if a levee breaks
Along with its 100-year floodplain map, the city publishes three less common maps: one marks neighborhoods that depend on levees, one shows how deep water would get with no levees at all, and one models levee breaks in a 200-year flood, showing how fast water would rise and which zones would need rescue. If your street is on the levee-dependent map, decide on flood coverage with that in mind, whatever your FEMA zone says.
Disclosure and timing
California sellers must disclose natural hazards, including flood, when they sell. A new flood policy usually has a 30-day waiting period, so don't wait for a storm forecast. Sacramento warns that flood repairs can exceed 50% of a building's value, the point at which current floodplain rules apply to the rebuild.
Residual market: California FAIR Plan
Same statewide California FAIR Plan as San Diego/San Francisco. Apply through a licensed California agent; liability is typically wrapped separately.
More for Sacramento policyholders
Sacramento's levee system and flood bypasses reduce but do not eliminate flood risk—pull your parcel on the MSC and buy NFIP or private flood when required.
Auto: California 30/60/15
Policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 must carry at least $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 liability under SB 1107 (California DMV); Sacramento drivers who last renewed before then move to the new floor at renewal.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in California.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacramento under the California FAIR Plan?
Yes—statewide residual basic property market.
Does a Sacramento homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Does my Sacramento 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.