Short answer: The Virginia Property Insurance Association is the FAIR Plan for residual property coverage.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Virginia Beach area (Virginia Beach city). 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 Virginia Beach city) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Virginia Beach city
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Virginia Beach city report. Coastal Virginia plans emphasize hurricanes, storm surge, coastal flooding and extreme heat—verify Index scores and treat the MSC as mandatory.
Federal disaster declarations in Virginia Beach city
Since 1972, Virginia Beach city has been part of 9 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were hurricane events (5), severe storm events (1) and snowstorm events (1). The most recent: Hurricane Matthew, 2016, Hurricane Irene, 2011, Severe Storms and Flooding Associated With Tropical Depression Ida and A Nor'East, 2009 and Hurricane Isabel, 2003. FEMA also lists 7 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Checking your Virginia Beach flood zone
Virginia Beach's Planning Department gives free flood zone determinations, verbal or written, at 757-385-4621. You can also look yourself on the City Map by turning on the flood zone layer effective January 16, 2015. Blue hatching marks an AE zone. Yellow hatching marks a VE zone, a coastal area that also faces storm waves. Wind and flood need separate policies here, so a hurricane can mean two claims and two deductibles. If you're in a Special Flood Hazard Area, give your agent an elevation certificate so your premium reflects your actual risk.
Repairs, freeboard and rising water
In the Special Flood Hazard Area, the city requires repairs worth 50% or more of a building's market value to meet floodplain rules. Smaller repairs must still be elevated or flood-protected as far as Permits and Inspections decides is possible. New homes must sit above base flood elevation plus freeboard, which varies by zone and part of the city. The city's Sea Level Wise Adaptation Strategy of March 2020 lays out flood risks for its four watersheds: Oceanfront, Elizabeth River, Lynnhaven and Southern Rivers. If you've had flood damage before, ask about Increased Cost of Compliance funds and the Severe Repetitive Loss program.
Auto: Virginia 50/100/25
Virginia's minimum for policies effective since January 1, 2025 is 50/100/25 (Virginia DMV).
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I confirm Virginia auto minimums?
Bureau of Insurance / DMV publications.
Does a Virginia Beach homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Does my Virginia Beach 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.