7,020 flood insurance claims·$138.7M paid·11,336 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around Rhode Island. Zoomed out they are simplified; at street level the map switches to FEMA’s exact layer. Tap anywhere to check that spot, or search an address above.
Rhode Island faces a mixed flood risk profile characterized predominantly by general riverine and inland flooding, alongside significant flash flooding and coastal hazards. Over the last 30 years, NOAA recorded 175 flood events resulting in 1 death, 121 flash flood events, 41 coastal flood events, 27 tropical storms, and 2 storm surge or tide events.
This exposure to severe weather is underscored by recent federal disaster declarations for severe storms and flooding issued on December 17, 2023, and January 9, 2024. These repeated declarations point to ongoing vulnerabilities from severe storm systems impacting the state.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim data illustrates how this risk distributes across FEMA zones. The vast majority of claims and payouts are concentrated in Zone A, which accounts for 4,203 claims and $89 million paid total, reflecting high riverine and coastal inundation hazards. Zone V follows with 909 claims totaling $25 million paid, highlighting heavy losses in coastal high-hazard areas where average claim payouts are highest at $38,249. Meanwhile, various Zone X categories—including shaded, unshaded, and general X zones—accumulate a combined 1,826 claims and $24 million paid, demonstrating that residents outside traditional high-risk flood zones still experience property damage and file surprise claims.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data. NFIP policies in force and average premium (premium plus federal policy fee) as of August 31, 2026, from OpenFEMA.
Rhode Island has received 123 federal disaster declarations and 22 hurricane declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in Rhode Island FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, or a federally backed loan, are required to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Rhode Island had 11,336 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,128 a year (premium plus the federal policy fee; the reserve fund assessment and HFIAA surcharge come on top, and nationally they make actual bills about a quarter higher). Under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 each building is priced on its own flood risk, so a state average says little about what any one home will pay.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from properties outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area. Rhode Island residents can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.
See the most flood-prone counties in Rhode Island →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history:
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