Calculator inputs
Example data table
| Scenario | Zone | Coverage (Bldg/Cont) | Deductible | Feet above BFE | Year built | Distance (km) | Levee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | AE | $250,000 / $75,000 | $2,000 | +1.0 | 2005 | 2.0 | No |
| Example B | A | $200,000 / $50,000 | $1,000 | -2.0 | 1970 | 0.8 | No |
| Example C | V | $350,000 / $100,000 | $5,000 | +3.0 | 2016 | 0.4 | Yes |
Formula used
This calculator estimates a term premium using a transparent factor model:
- Factors include zone, elevation, claims, year built, and distance.
- Fees include basic policy fees and optional admin fees.
- Graphs show breakdown and deductible sensitivity.
How to use this calculator
- Select the flood zone from your flood map panel.
- Enter coverage amounts for building and contents.
- Set elevation, year built, and distance inputs.
- Choose deductible, payment, and optional endorsements.
- Click Calculate premium to show results above the form.
- Download PDF or CSV for records.
Calculator insights
Rate drivers summarized by zone and exposure
The estimate starts with a zone base rate per $100 of total coverage. In this model, Zone X uses 0.18, Zone A uses 0.65, Zone AE uses 0.72, and Zone V uses 1.25. Distance-to-water adds an exposure factor: 1.18 at 0.5 km or closer, 1.12 at 1.0 km, 1.06 at 2.0 km, 1.02 at 5.0 km, and 1.00 beyond 5 km.
Elevation, claims, and construction age effects
Feet above BFE influences the elevation factor using a capped sensitivity (coastal zones respond more). Claims history compounds risk: 1 claim uses 1.12, 2 claims uses 1.28, and 3 or more uses 1.45. Year built is grouped for practical budgeting: 2010+ uses 0.92, 1990–2009 uses 0.98, 1975–1989 uses 1.04, and pre-1975 uses 1.10.
Coverage mix and deductible trade-offs
The premium scales with total coverage and is blended using the contents-to-building ratio. The contents mix factor is limited to roughly a -6% to +10% effect to avoid extreme outputs. Deductibles shift pricing with visible steps: $500 uses 1.20, $1,000 uses 1.10, $2,000 uses 1.00, $5,000 uses 0.90, and $10,000 uses 0.82. Use the deductible graph to quantify savings against higher out-of-pocket risk.
Discounts and mitigation levers
Mitigation applies direct discounts up to 12% when multiple measures are selected. Community rating class provides additional reductions; class 7 uses 10% and class 1 is modeled at 40%. Utilities and enclosure assumptions adjust severity: elevated utilities use 0.93, basement utilities use 1.12, and finished enclosures use 1.10. These inputs help compare upgrades before requesting formal quotes.
Payment structure, endorsements, and reporting
Payment frequency can add small fees and an installment factor: annual is 1.00, semiannual is 1.02, quarterly is 1.04, and monthly is 1.06. Optional endorsements are modeled as flat annual add-ons (ICC 20 and loss of use 18) to keep comparisons simple. Export to CSV for spreadsheets, or use PDF to share a consistent summary with stakeholders.
FAQs
Is this a real insurance quote?
No. It is a budgeting estimate using simplified factors. Actual premiums depend on insurer rules, detailed flood maps, underwriting, and endorsements. Use it to compare scenarios before requesting formal quotes.
Which inputs usually move the premium the most?
Zone, elevation relative to BFE, claims history, and total coverage tend to dominate. Deductible choices also matter, especially when moving from $2,000 to $5,000 or $10,000 in this model.
How should I enter “feet above BFE”?
Enter a positive number if the lowest floor is above BFE. Use a negative value if it is below BFE. If you have an elevation certificate, use the documented difference for best consistency.
What does the community rating class represent here?
It approximates a community discount. Lower class numbers are better. This tool models a range from 0% at class 10 to a larger reduction at class 1 to illustrate discount impact.
Why include distance to water and year built?
They provide practical sensitivity testing when detailed underwriting data is unavailable. Distance is a proxy for exposure, while year built approximates construction practices. Both are simplified and should be treated as directional inputs.
Can I export results for documentation?
Yes. The CSV includes inputs and the calculated totals for easy review. The PDF creates a printable summary of the estimate and breakdown, suitable for budgeting discussions or internal approvals.