Short answer: Tulsa County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Tulsa tracts. Oklahoma has no traditional FAIR Plan, so declined homes go to surplus lines.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Tulsa area (Tulsa 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 Tulsa County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Tulsa County
Check FEMA's National Risk Index and the Tulsa County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Tulsa County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 26 major disaster declarations that included Tulsa County since 1971, led by severe storm events (9), flood events (8) and severe ice storm events (4). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, 2023, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2022, Severe Winter Storms, 2021 and Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2019. FEMA also lists 9 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Before you buy a home in Tulsa
The City of Tulsa's buyer brochure points out that flood zone disclosure isn't mandatory in Tulsa. Many buyers only find out about a flood zone at closing or after. Look up the address at maps.cityoftulsa.org/floodplains, or call 311 for a free flood zone determination for any property in city limits. The city also notes that a new flood policy usually has a 30-day wait unless it's required to close on a purchase.
Tulsa's flood discount and building rules
The city says flood insurance in Tulsa carries a discount of up to 45% through FEMA's Community Rating System, and every property in the city can buy a policy. New buildings must sit at least one foot above Tulsa's Regulatory Floodplain. If a remodel costs half the value of the original structure, the building must be elevated. Living space, outlets, appliances or bathrooms below an elevated house aren't allowed, so check that before you buy a fixer-upper.
The 1984 Memorial Day flood
The National Weather Service in Tulsa calls the May 26–27, 1984 flood the worst in Tulsa's history. A stalled front dropped 6 to 15 inches of rain in eight hours, centered near McClure Park. Fourteen people died, six of them in vehicle-related deaths, and 288 were hurt. More than 5,500 buildings and 7,000 vehicles were destroyed or badly damaged, and Mingo Creek accounted for $125 million of the $180 million in damage. Afterward the city relocated 300 flooded homes and a 228-pad mobile home park. Floodwater damage to a car is covered under comprehensive.
No Oklahoma FAIR Plan
Oklahoma does not operate a classic FAIR Plan. When standard insurers decline, a licensed surplus-lines broker can shop non-admitted markets; the Oklahoma Insurance Department assists consumers.
Auto: Oklahoma 25/50/25
Oklahoma minimums are commonly published as 25/50/25—confirm with the Oklahoma Insurance Department when you buy. (Oklahoma Insurance Department auto brochure)
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Oklahoma.
Frequently asked questions
Does Oklahoma have a FAIR Plan for Tulsa homes?
No traditional FAIR Plan; surplus lines is the usual fallback.
What auto liability does Oklahoma require?
25/50/25 as commonly published.
Does a Tulsa 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.