Check Your Property's Floodplain Status
FEMA floodplain maps show property owners their property's risk for flooding, whether the property is within a regulatory floodplain and, if so, what floodplain.
If the map shows that any BLUE area--known as “A Zone" (AE, AO, AH, A)--is touching the building and you are applying for any type of federally backed loan, then flood insurance will likely be required. Be sure this information is verified using elevation details such as are provided on an Elevation Certificate.
If the map shows that any BLUE Area / “A Zone” (AE, AO, AH, A) is on your property (but not touching the building), flood insurance is not required by FEMA, but lenders can still request it as part of the loan negotiations.
Be aware that anyone can purchase flood insurance, even if their property is not located within a blue area. Flood insurance is much less expensive if the property is located outside the blue areas (Zone X areas).