The National Flood Insurance Program is managed by FEMA, though the insurance policies are sold by approved insurance companies. These include private-sector insurance companies that offer other types of insurance, such as homeowners, renters and automobile insurance.
If you need or want flood insurance, first check the FEMA website, www.floodsmart.gov, to make sure your community participates in the program. If so, you can ask your insurance company if it offers coverage. Information on FEMA and the NFIP is available throughout this section, but don't forget to check out the additional information in the FEMA section earlier in this guide.