Short answer: Santa Clara County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for San Jose tracts.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the San Jose area (Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Santa Clara County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Santa Clara County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Santa Clara County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 15 major disaster declarations that included Santa Clara County since 1982, led by severe storm events (6), flood events (4) and fire events (2). The most recent: Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023, Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023, Wildfires, 2020 and Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides, 2017. FEMA also lists 5 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Checking your San José flood zone
San José takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program, so residents can get federally backed flood insurance. In return, the city sets elevation and floodproofing rules for new buildings and remodels. Public Works runs the program. You can ask whether your property is in a flood zone or request a copy of an elevation certificate by emailing [email protected] or calling (408) 535-7803. Valley Water handles flood protection countywide and publishes flooding history by watershed.
Fill won't take a lot off the map right now
Starting July 1, 2023, FEMA temporarily stopped processing Letters of Map Revision based on fill (LOMR-F and CLOMR-F) in San José. If you were counting on fill to move a lot out of the Special Flood Hazard Area and drop a lender's flood insurance requirement, plan on that route being unavailable. Projects in the flood zone still have to meet the city's current elevation rules.
Coyote Creek and the city's flood plans
The Office of Emergency Management's emergency plans page has the 2017 Coyote Creek Flood After-Action Report and a 2025 Joint Emergency Action Plan with Valley Water, which includes creek-specific appendices. It also has the FEMA-approved 2024 Santa Clara County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. If you live near a creek, read your creek's appendix before you decide whether to skip flood coverage.
Residual market: California FAIR Plan
The California FAIR Plan writes basic property coverage, including fire, when admitted insurers will not. Many owners pair it with a difference-in-conditions policy for liability and other perils.
Earthquake: CEA deductible choices
The California Earthquake Authority offers deductibles of 5% to 25%; the 5% and 10% options are not available for pre-1980 homes without a verified retrofit or for dwelling limits above $1 million.
Auto: California 30/60/15
Since January 1, 2025, California DMV requires at least $30,000/$60,000 bodily injury and $15,000 property damage for policies issued or renewed on or after that date.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in California.
Frequently asked questions
Can older homes get a 5% CEA deductible?
Pre-1980 homes need a verified retrofit to qualify for the 5% or 10% options.
What auto liability does California require?
30/60/15 for policies issued or renewed since January 1, 2025.
Does a San Jose 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.