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Flood Insurance
The Village of Winnetka participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes federally guaranteed flood insurance available to all eligible buildings, whether they are in the flood plain or not.
How It Works
If a building is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), which is commonly known as the 100-year flood plain, and a federally backed loan or mortgage is necessary, the Federal agency or lender is required by law to require the building owner to purchase a flood insurance policy on the building. Federal regulations require building coverage equal to the amount of the loan (excluding appraised value of the land) or the maximum amount of insurance available from the NFIP, whichever is less. The maximum amount available for a single-family residence is $250,000. Government-sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, have stricter requirements.
The mandatory purchase requirement does not affect loans or financial assistance for items that are not covered by a flood insurance policy, such as vehicles, business expenses, landscaping, and vacant lots. It does not affect loans for buildings that are not in an SFHA, even though a portion of the lot may be. While not mandated by law, a lender may require a flood insurance policy, as a condition of a loan, for a property in any zone on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
Insure Your Building & Contents
The NFIP insures buildings with two types of coverage: building and contents. Building coverage is for the walls, floors, insulation, furnace, and other items permanently attached to the structure. Contents coverage may be purchased separately, if the contents are in an insurable building.
There is a 30 day waiting period before flood insurance coverage goes into effect. Please note that standard property insurance does not cover flood damage. Premiums for non-SFHA structures can be gotten at a much reduced rate. View further information on flood insurance coverage on Floodsmart.gov’s What’s Covered page.
Elevation Certificates for Insurance
If you need to obtain a new Elevation Certificate, you must hire an Illinois Licensed Engineer or Land Surveyor.
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Public Works
Physical Address
1390 Willow Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: 847-716-3568Fax: 847-716-3599Emergency: 847-501-2531
Hours
Monday through Friday
7:30 AM - 4 PM
- Topic 2 - Insure Your Property for Flood Hazard (PDF)
- Flood Plain Information for Real Estate Professionals (PDF)
- Real Estate Advisory: Check Before You Buy (PDF)
- National Flood Insurance Program Elevation Certificate and Instructions
- Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program
- FEMA Flood Insurance