For Real Estate & Insurance Professionals

The National Flood Insurance Program‘s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) was implemented in 1990 as a program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP standards. The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 codified the Community Rating System in the NFIP. Placer County participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Community Activities

Under the CRS, flood insurance premium rates are adjusted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community activities that meet the three goals of the CRS:

  1. Reduce flood losses
  2. Facilitate accurate insurance rating
  3. Promote the awareness of flood insurance

There are ten CRS classes:

  • Class 1 requires the most credit points and gives the largest premium reduction
  • Class 10 receives no premium reduction

The CRS recognizes 18 creditable activities, organized under four categories numbered 300 through 600:

  • Flood Damage Reduction
  • Flood Preparedness
  • Mapping and Regulations
  • Public Information

About Community Involvement

By implementing these floodplain management activities, the residents of Placer County can qualify for a flood insurance premium rate reduction. When communities go beyond the minimum standards for floodplain management, the CRS can provide discounts up to 45% off flood insurance premiums.

The County of Placer is currently a Class 5 community, which provides a 25% discount on flood insurance to properties located in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Materials for Professionals

As a Real Estate Agent, Lender, or Insurance Agent you can help by promoting flood insurance and by disclosing if the property is now, or will be, in a high-risk area (Special Flood Hazard Area). Flyers, stuffers, and other materials on flood insurance are available, free of charge, through the NFIP. These materials may also be ordered by contacting:
FEMA Distribution Center
4440 Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD 21704
Phone: 800-480-2520
Fax: 240-699-0525