Floods are among the most destructive natural disasters, capable of causing immense amounts of damage to buildings. To accurately calculate a particular building’s risk of water damage, insurance companies often require property owners to obtain a flood elevation certificate from a qualified surveyor. These reports contain detailed information about the property that can have a significant impact on your insurance premiums.

A Guide to Flood Elevation Certificates

What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate?

Flood elevation certificates include detailed information that insurance companies use to calculate rates, including the height of the lowest floor and the flood zone the building is located in. By comparing the elevation of the building with the height of a base flood on FEMA maps, the insurance company can determine the likelihood that a property will be damaged or destroyed in a flood.

If you own property in a high-risk zone — designated A or V on the Flood Insurance Rate Map — your insurance company will likely require an elevation certificate before issuing a policy. However, there is an exception for properties constructed before the first maps of the area were issued and those who qualify for subsidized insurance rates.

How to Obtain an Elevation Certificate

If you don’t already have an elevation certificate, your local floodplain manager may have one on file. The builder of the property may have also obtained a certificate before construction, or the information may be included with your deed. If you cannot find an existing document, an experienced surveyor or engineer will prepare and complete the certificate for you.

With a combined 45 years’ experience and a comprehensive range of services, Ferguson & Foss Professional Land Surveyors PC offers prompt, accurate flood elevation certificates for property owners throughout New York’s Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton, Saratoga and Herkimer counties. Whether you’re purchasing flood insurance or building a new commercial facility, you can rely on their team to deliver precise results using the most advanced equipment in the field. Visit their website for more on their broad array of surveying services, or call (518) 762-9997 to request an estimate today.