Short answer: Virginia DCR's VFRIS map lets you look up any Virginia address and see whether it's in FEMA's Special Flood Hazard Area, a moderate-risk shaded Zone X, or lower-risk unshaded Zone X. Under Va. Code 55.1-708.2, a seller who actually knows a home is a repetitive risk loss structure (two or more NFIP claims over $1,000 paid in any rolling 10-year period since 1978) must disclose it on the Real Estate Board form.
This guide is general information for Virginia property owners and renters about flood risk and the National Flood Insurance Program. It isn't a coverage determination. FEMA maps, your community's floodplain ordinance and your policy wording control.
Look it up in VFRIS
The Virginia Flood Risk Information System, run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation's floodplain program, pulls FEMA flood data together with Virginia parcel and mapping layers. DCR explains the zones in plain terms:
- High risk (SFHA): all A and V zones, the area with a 1% chance of flooding in any year
- Moderate risk: shaded Zone X, between the 1% and 0.2% annual-chance floods
- Low risk: unshaded Zone X, above the 0.2% flood elevation
DCR also notes flooding can occur on any property, not just mapped high- or moderate-risk land.
Repetitive risk loss disclosure
Va. Code 55.1-708.2 requires an owner of residential property who has actual knowledge the dwelling is a repetitive risk loss structure to disclose it to the purchaser on the Real Estate Board's form. "Repetitive risk loss" means two or more NFIP claims of more than $1,000 paid within any rolling 10-year period since 1978. Buyers should still ask directly about past flood claims.
Buy coverage early: NFIP policies through FloodSmart generally wait 30 days.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
What is VFRIS?
The Virginia Flood Risk Information System, DCR's flood map tool showing FEMA flood zones by address.
What is a repetitive risk loss home in Virginia?
One with two or more NFIP claims over $1,000 paid in any rolling 10-year period since 1978.
Must Virginia sellers disclose repetitive flood losses?
Yes, if they actually know, under Va. Code 55.1-708.2.
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.