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What Is Icc Coverage in a Flood Insurance Policy?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

How Icc Coverage Works

ICC coverage is a separate part of a flood insurance policy. It applies after a flood causes substantial damage to your home, and your local community requires you to meet floodplain management rules. The coverage helps pay for actions like elevating your home, demolishing it, or relocating it to a safer spot.

The amount is limited. ICC pays up to a set maximum, which is far less than the total cost of most compliance projects. You must file a claim and show that the work meets local requirements. The pros can help you document the damage and the needed work, but they do not decide what your policy pays.

Who Qualifies for Icc

Qualifying depends on your flood insurance policy and the damage level. Your home must be in a Special Flood Hazard Area, and the flood must cause damage that your community declares substantial. That means the damage cost equals or exceeds half of your home's market value.

You also need to have an active flood insurance policy before the flood occurs. ICC is not retroactive. If you do not have coverage when the flood hits, you cannot add it later. Check your policy documents or ask your insurance agent about your specific situation.

  • You must have a current flood policy before the flood event.
  • Your community must require compliance with floodplain rules.
  • Damage must be declared substantial by local officials.
  • ICC covers elevation, relocation, demolition, or floodproofing.
  • The work must be completed according to local permits.

What Icc Does Not Cover

ICC does not pay for the flood damage itself. That is what the building and contents coverage in your flood policy is for. ICC only helps with the cost of making your home compliant after the flood. It does not cover temporary housing, personal belongings, or the value of the land.

It also does not pay for improvements that go beyond local requirements. If you choose to add extra features, you pay for those yourself. The maximum ICC payment is capped, so many homeowners need to plan for additional out-of-pocket costs.

How to Use Icc Coverage

Start by filing a flood insurance claim and documenting the damage. Your local floodplain administrator will determine if your home is substantially damaged. If so, you can submit an ICC claim with a description of the compliance work you plan to do.

You will need to get permits and hire qualified contractors. The pros can handle the actual work, from demolition to elevation, but you must coordinate with your insurance company and local officials. Keep all receipts and paperwork, because you may need to show them for reimbursement.

Where to Get Help

If you live in Bellingham, the local building department can tell you about floodplain rules. Your insurance agent can explain your policy's ICC limits. For the physical work, local water damage pros can handle cleanup and structural changes after a flood.

Flood damage cleanup is often the first step before any compliance work. After the water is removed and drying is done, you can focus on elevation or other required changes. The pros can also help with inspections and documentation to support your claim.

  • Talk to your insurance agent about your policy's ICC limits.
  • Ask the local building department about floodplain requirements.
  • Get multiple bids for compliance work.
  • Keep a detailed record of all expenses.
  • Work with a pro who understands flood damage restoration.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does ICC coverage pay?

ICC coverage has a maximum limit set by the NFIP, which is often around $30,000. That amount may not cover the full cost of elevation or relocation. The actual payment depends on your policy, the damage, and the required work. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Do I need separate ICC coverage?

ICC is built into most NFIP flood insurance policies, so you do not need to buy it separately. It is automatically included when you purchase a standard flood policy. However, not all private flood policies include ICC. Check your policy documents to confirm.

Can I use ICC for a basement flood?

ICC applies to homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas that are substantially damaged. A basement flood may qualify if the damage is severe and your community requires compliance. But ICC is not for general basement cleanup. That is covered under your standard flood damage coverage, if you have it.

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