The Community Rating System

In order to obtain flood insurance a community must participate in minimum floodplain management activities that are required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

Participation

Participation in the CRS results in discounted flood insurance rates for residents within the community. The discount is given because the community has reduced the flood risk by meeting the three goals of the CRS program. These goals include:

• Reducing flood losses
• Facilitating accurate insurance rating
• Promoting the awareness of flood insurance

Discount

Flood insurance premium rates are discounted in increments of 5 percent. For example; a Class 1 community would receive a 45 percent premium discount, while a Class 9 community would receive a 5 percent discount (a Class 10 is not participating in the CRS and receives no discount). The CRS classes for local communities are based on 18 creditable activities, organized under four categories.

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

The CRS Resource Center is now available.

Polk County homeowners and renters are paying less for flood insurance. Polk County's current Class 6 Rating has earned policyholders a 20 percent reduction on flood insurance premiums. The average savings on a flood insurance policy in the Special Flood Hazard Area is $132 per policy per year.

Credit points earned, classification awarded, and premium reductions given for communities in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System.