Short answer: Clark County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Vancouver, Washington tracts. The Washington FAIR Plan is the residual market.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Vancouver area (Clark 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 Clark County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Clark County, Washington
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Clark County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Clark County
Since 1964, Clark County has been part of 13 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (6), flood events (5) and earthquake events (1). 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 Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, Mudslides, and A T, 2016 and Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow, 2009. FEMA also lists 1 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
How Vancouver regulates flood areas
Vancouver's frequently flooded areas code adopts the Clark County Flood Insurance Study and rate maps effective September 5, 2012. It bans new homes in the floodway. Elsewhere in the Special Flood Hazard Area, the lowest floor of new or substantially improved homes, basement included, must be at least one foot above the base flood elevation, with utilities raised to match. The code warns that larger floods will occasionally happen and that land outside the mapped areas isn't guaranteed to stay dry.
Details that change your premium
The same code points out insurance effects that buyers rarely hear about. Below-grade crawlspaces cost more to insure than crawlspaces at or above the outside grade. In Zone A areas with no published base flood elevation, homes are expected to sit at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade, and the code notes that falling short can mean higher rates. For a floodplain home, ask for the elevation certificate. The city completes and keeps elevation certificates for new and substantially improved buildings in flood areas.
Earthquakes top the city's list
The Vancouver Fire Department's Preparedness 101 ranks earthquakes first among the city's top 10 hazards, followed by severe weather and floods. It notes that a Cascadia Subduction Zone quake could be catastrophic, and that the region sometimes sees windstorms with gusts over 50 mph. The city says a major disaster is likely to overwhelm its resources, so it suggests keeping 7 to 10 days of food at home. Earthquake damage needs its own policy or endorsement. Keep copies of your policies in a watertight container in your kit, as the city recommends.
Residual market: Washington FAIR Plan
Clark County homes declined by admitted insurers can apply to the Washington FAIR Plan.
More for Vancouver policyholders
Vancouver's redeveloped waterfront and east-county subdivisions include many condos and newer homes.
Auto: Washington 25/50/10
Washington DOL: 25/50/10.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Washington.
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington have a FAIR Plan?
Yes.
What auto liability does Washington require?
25/50/10.
Does a Vancouver 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.