Get an Elevation Certificate Before Hurricane Season Starts
Homeowners have around two weeks before hurricane season starts on June 1, 2026. Most flood insurance plans through the National Flood Insurance Program take 30 days before coverage begins. An elevation certificate can help make sure your flood insurance is priced correctly before the season starts.z
Hurricane Season Is Almost Here
If you do not have flood insurance yet, now is the time to act.
Hurricane season officially begins on June 1. Many homeowners think they can buy flood insurance at the last minute, but that is not how it works.
Most NFIP flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period. If you buy a policy on June 1, your coverage usually will not begin until July 1.
That could leave your home unprotected during the start of hurricane season.
For homeowners, there is another reason to move quickly. Flood insurance prices are changing. Insurance companies now look more closely at the exact details of each property. One of the most important details is elevation.
That is why an elevation certificate matters now more than ever.
Why Homeowners Should Care
Many homeowners think flood insurance only matters if they live near the water. That is not true.
Flooding can happen after heavy rain, poor drainage, storm surge, or blocked canals. Even homes outside high-risk flood zones can flood during a major storm.
Homeowners are also facing changing flood insurance rules and rising insurance costs. FEMA and private insurance companies continue to adjust how flood policies are priced.
Because of this, accurate property information is becoming more important every year.
An elevation certificate helps homeowners:
- Understand their flood risk
- Check if they are overpaying for insurance
- Prepare before hurricane season
- Give insurance companies accurate property data
If You Do Not Have Flood Insurance Yet
If you are waiting to buy flood insurance, do not wait much longer.
The best step is to get an elevation certificate before buying the policy.
Here is why.
Without an elevation certificate, your insurance company may use default elevation estimates for your property. Those estimates are not always correct.
If your home actually sits higher than FEMA’s estimate, you could end up paying more than necessary.
A licensed surveyor can usually complete an elevation certificate within a few days.
The process is simple:
- Order the elevation certificate
- Give it to your insurance agent
- Buy the flood insurance policy
- Let the 30-day waiting period begin before hurricane season gets worse
Flood damage can become expensive very fast. Even a small amount of water inside a home can cause major repairs.
If You Already Have Flood Insurance
Having flood insurance does not always mean your policy is priced correctly.
Many homeowners are still using old elevation certificates. Others may have policies based on outdated flood maps or missing information.
This can lead to higher insurance costs.
In some cases, homeowners may qualify for lower premiums after updating their elevation certificate.
A surveyor can review your current certificate and check if:
- The information is outdated
- The flood maps have changed
- The elevation measurements are incorrect
- Your property may qualify for a FEMA map amendment
Sometimes, updating the certificate can help reduce long-term insurance costs.
West Palm Beach May Already Offer Discounts
Many homeowners do not know that West Palm Beach participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System.
This program rewards cities that improve flood safety and flood planning.
Because of this program, some homeowners may qualify for discounts on NFIP flood insurance premiums.
However, those discounts work best when your policy uses accurate elevation information.
An elevation certificate can help make sure your insurance company is using the correct data when calculating your premium.
What Homeowners Should Do Right Now
Hurricane season is getting close. Here are four simple steps homeowners should take now.
Step 1: Check if You Already Have an Elevation Certificate
Before ordering a new one, check your:
- Mortgage paperwork
- Insurance records
- Property documents
You may already have one from a previous owner or closing process.
Step 2: Order a New Certificate if Needed
If no certificate exists, contact a licensed land surveyor.
Most elevation certificates can be completed in about 3 to 7 business days.
Step 3: Share the Certificate With Your Insurance Agent
Give the certificate to your flood insurance agent before buying or renewing coverage.
This helps the company use real property measurements instead of estimates.
Step 4: Review Your Current Policy
If you already have flood insurance, ask your insurance company if updated elevation information could lower your premium.
Even small savings can add up over time.
FAQs
How long does an elevation certificate take?
Most elevation certificates take about 3 to 7 business days to complete.
Does an elevation certificate lower flood insurance?
It can help lower flood insurance costs if the home sits above the Base Flood Elevation.
Do all homes need an elevation certificate?
Not all homes require one, but many homeowners use them to help price flood insurance correctly.
For a free land surveying quote, call us at (561) 220-7505 or send us a message by going here.
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