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Everyone wants to protect themselves from unexpected emergencies. This is why homeowners pay particular attention to the insurance coverage they have for their home. If you live in a flood-prone area, you might want to obtain flood insurance to ensure that your home is secure. However, you’ll need to get a flood elevation certificate first.

What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate?

Homeowners might hear their insurance providers asking for this document. A flood elevation certificate is a document used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to calculate the difference in elevation between the area's Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and a property. It also records information like the flood map location, type of building, and other details that will determine the property's insurance premium.

This document can only be prepared, signed, and sealed by a licensed surveyor, architect, or engineer. Insurance companies require homeowners to present this certificate before they provide a quote. However, those who live in low to moderate risk zones might not need one.

flood elevation certificateImportance of Having a Flood Elevation Certificate

Most insurance companies will ask the property owner for an elevation certificate if a building or home is located in a high-risk area. This is needed to determine the flood insurance premium accurately. Otherwise, the homeowner might pay more than needed.

The certificate is also needed if a building or home in a flood-prone area underwent major renovations (for example, if a basement was converted to a bedroom). A new certificate has to be issued to reflect these changes and adjust the premiums. 
 

If you need to get your property mapped out, Raber Surveying in Summerdale, AL, is the company to call. They have been conducting land surveying since 1999, and their surveyors are highly trained and can determine property lines or issue a flood elevation certificate quickly and accurately. Call them at (251) 975-7525 or visit their website to learn more about their services.

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