FEMA Launches Online Flood Insurance Purchase Tool

The new tool lets people buy National Flood Insurance Program policies entirely online through Floodsmart.gov.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Insurance

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a modest two-story house on a sloping lot with floodwater rising up its lower walls beside a calm river. — FEMA launched an online tool on Floodsmart.gov that lets homeowners and renters in nearly 22,700 participating NFIP communities buy flood insurance in minutes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you have flood insurance on your home or property?

FEMA has launched a tool that lets users purchase a National Flood Insurance Program policy completely online through Floodsmart.gov. The tool is accessible nationwide to anyone living in one of almost 22,700 participating NFIP communities.

Why it matters

FEMA says the tool reduces barriers and makes flood insurance more accessible, in line with the insurance industry's broader shift toward digital engagement. Flood coverage is available to homeowners and renters in participating communities, making the online option a potentially simpler route to protection.

The online option covers almost 22,700 participating NFIP communities, and Indiana's NFIP coverage totals about $3.6 billion for roughly 15,000 policyholders. Uptake of the new tool since launch has not been reported.

The players

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA is the federal agency responsible for administering the National Flood Insurance Program and coordinating national disaster response.

Floodsmart.gov

Floodsmart.gov is FEMA's official consumer portal for information on and purchase of National Flood Insurance Program policies.

The details

Users receive a quote on Floodsmart.gov after providing basic information about their building, and can complete the purchase online in a few minutes. Those who prefer a local or national carrier can use contact information for three licensed state insurance agents listed on the site.

November 4, 2026: FEMA announces the new online flood insurance purchase tool.

Market Landscape

The National Flood Insurance Program, administered by FEMA, has long relied on purchases through insurance agents. The launch of a fully online purchase option extends that program into the digital channel that much of the insurance industry has been adopting.

Homeowners and renters in any of almost 22,700 participating NFIP communities can now request a quote and buy a policy entirely online instead of going through an agent. Those who want a local or national carrier can still contact one of three listed state insurance agents.

The takeaway

If you live in a participating community, you can compare flood coverage by requesting a quote online before deciding whether to buy directly or through an agent. Reviewing your building's flood risk now can help you choose coverage before a disaster occurs.