Flood plains (and flood plain maps) change and evolve. Just because you weren't in a flood plain when you bought your home a few years ago doesn't mean you're not in one now.
There are a few ways you can find out about your flood risks and if you may be in a flood plain.
- FloodSmart.gov: This site will allow you to put in your address and see if it's in a flood plain, and give you information on risks, premiums and agents, says Griffin. But use it as one tool, not the final word on whether your home is in a flood plain.
- Your agent. When it comes to researching whether your home is in a flood plain, you definitely want someone knowledgeable to research the question for you, Griffin says. And, preferably, more than one agent.
And get a second opinion from a different agent, he says.
"Agents have different levels of sophistication with regard to this product," says Griffin. "You get a different answer sometimes. So you make a couple of checks to make sure you're protecting yourself."