Short answer: King County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Seattle tracts. The Washington FAIR Plan is the residual property market statewide. Seattle's weeds-and-vegetation code targets fire and sidewalk hazards, and DOL requires at least 25/50/10 liability to drive.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Seattle area (King 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 King County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for King County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the King County report.
Federal disaster declarations in King County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 30 major disaster declarations that included King County since 1964, led by flood events (16), severe storm events (11) and earthquake events (2). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2026, Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2024, Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2020 and Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, Mudslides, 2017. FEMA also lists 2 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Where Seattle regulates flooding
Seattle's floodplain development code/floodplain-development-code) covers the mapped floodplains along Thornton, Pipers and Longfellow Creeks, the Duwamish Waterway and the Puget Sound shoreline. It also covers areas Seattle Public Utilities has identified as having problem drainage. SDCI points out that FEMA's maps reflect current conditions and don't account for sea level rise or stronger storms. Seattle Public Utilities publishes an interactive Sea Level Rise Map for anyone near the shoreline.
New rules built on FEMA's 2020 maps
SDCI has sent City Council permanent floodplain regulations that adopt FEMA's 2020 Flood Insurance Rate Maps while continuing to regulate the flood-prone areas SPU has mapped. The Council extended the interim rules on January 13, 2026. The rules set how high a new home's first floor must sit and require engineering for wind and floodwater. If you're planning to build or do a major remodel near a creek or the shoreline, ask whether your home's insurance includes ordinance-or-law coverage for the cost of meeting those standards after a loss.
Residual market: Washington FAIR Plan
The WA FAIR Plan writes residual property insurance statewide for eligible occupied, reasonably maintained risks. Apply through a Washington-licensed property agent; see the Plan's customer and FAQ pages for underwriting limits and excluded classes (for example, certain farm/manufacturing risks).
Weeds and vegetation (Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 10.52)
Seattle's Weeds & Vegetation Code (Chapter 10.52) requires owners to remove or trim vegetation that creates fire, health or safety hazards, including vegetation that obstructs sidewalks or travel ways below published clearance heights. Clear hazards before underwriting photos.
Auto: Washington 25/50/10
Washington DOL mandatory insurance requires at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 for two or more people and $10,000 property damage.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Washington.
Frequently asked questions
What vegetation rule should Seattle owners know?
SMC Chapter 10.52 requires controlling vegetation that creates fire, health or travel hazards.
What auto liability does Washington require?
At least 25/50/10 per Washington DOL.
Does a Seattle 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.