Tips for how NLECA residents can potentially lower their flood insurance premiums:

• Discuss the specifics of your flood insurance policy with your insurance agent. Topics to include in the conversation:


• Is Lake County's Community Rating System discount being applied?


• Is the structure correctly identified as your primary residence (if applicable)?
• NOTE: You should consult with a tax professional and the county assessor to ensure consistency on what is claimed as your primary residence for tax purposes.


• Your current deductible amount. The NFIP allows a deductible up to $10,000.


• Are your current coverage limits appropriate for your risk?


• Confirm with your lender before making any changes to your policy.


• If you are subject to the mandatory purchase requirement, ask your lender for specifics about the amount of coverage they require. Discuss with them:


• Whether they will allow adjustments to your deductible. If so, work with your insurance agent to make the adjustments.


• The specific dollar amount of coverage required for the structure.


• Confirm with your lender before making any changes to your policy.


• Consider investing in an elevation certificate.


• In some cases, a Post-FIRM rate might be lower than a Pre-FIRM rate however, only an elevation certificate will determine if that is the case. FEMA will use whichever rating table is most favorable for your situation.


• An elevation certificate will assist with decisions on potential risk reducing options;


• An elevation certificate will help determine whether a Letter Of Map Amendment is possible;


• Consider physical changes to the structure.


• Elevating the lowest floor (including bottom of crawlspace or basement) could result in lower flood insurance rates.


• Other modifications to crawl spaces under some circumstances may also result in lower flood insurance rates.


• All improvements to the structures would require permits from the county and possibly the state due to the floodway.


• Confirm with the County PRIOR to making any changes.


• If your property is close to the edge of the floodplain, consider exploring whether a Letter Of Map Amendment is an option (would need an elevation information).