Iowans can now purchase federal flood insurance entirely online, a new option announced as Rock Valley continues recovering from the June 2024 flood.
FEMA launched the National Flood Insurance Program’s online purchasing tool Tuesday, October 20, through Floodsmart.gov. The option is available to residents of the nearly 22,700 communities nationwide that participate in the program.
The announcement comes less than two weeks after Rock Valley began demolishing the first home in its flood buyout program, marking another step in a recovery process that has stretched more than two years.
How the Online Option Works
According to FEMA, property owners can receive a quote through Floodsmart.gov by providing basic information about their building. After receiving a quote, they can purchase a policy online or work with an insurance agent.
Those choosing an agent can share their quote with a local or national insurance carrier. The website can also provide contact information for three insurance agents licensed in their state.
“We are making it easier for people to reduce their financial risk and protect what they’ve spent their lives building,” FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton said in the announcement. “With this new digital tool, you can get a quote and buy a flood insurance policy in a matter of minutes.”
FEMA says the National Flood Insurance Program provides more than $2.2 billion in coverage for more than 9,000 policyholders in Iowa.
Rock Valley’s Recovery Continues
The June 2024 flood left Rock Valley with damaged homes and a lengthy recovery effort that has included purchasing flood-affected residential properties and preparing the land for open space.
Demolition of the first home in the city’s flood buyout program began October 8. In July, FEMA announced more than $22 million in buyout funding for 123 residential properties in Rock Valley.
Speaking with Sioux County Radio earlier this month, Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo said Small Business Administration loan releases and asbestos abatement were affecting which homes could be demolished first.
At that time, the city was purchasing about five to six properties each week when possible. Van Otterloo said the demolition timeline would depend on weather and how quickly the city received reimbursement for money it advanced to purchase homes.
Information about the new flood insurance purchasing option is available at Floodsmart.gov.
