Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used for obtaining flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and provides specific building elevation information necessary for compliance with flood management

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain a copy of the Elevation Certificate form from FEMA or your local authorities.
2. Fill in the property information section, including the property address and owner's name.
3. Provide the flood zone designation as indicated on the property's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
4. Determine the elevation of the lowest floor of the building, including the basement, if applicable.
5. Measure the elevation above the lowest adjacent grade to the building.
6. Specify the type of construction (e.g., slab, crawl space, or basement), and other structural details.
7. Include information about the floodproofing techniques used, if any.
8. Have the certificate signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect.
9. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to your local government or insurance provider.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Homeowners in flood-prone areas required to obtain flood insurance.
2. Lenders and mortgage companies requiring proof of elevation for loan approval.
3. Residents wanting to mitigate flood insurance costs.
4. Local governments for compliance with building regulations and floodplain management.

People Also Ask about

Will an elevation certificate lower my flood insurance?

If property owners provide an EC with more detailed FFH and elevation information, the flood insurance rating engine may return a lower annual premium. FEMA's system compares the original elevation data with the updated information to deliver a more property-specific and equitable rate for the policyholder.

How do I get a free elevation certificate?

How do I get an elevation certificate? Start by contacting your local floodplain manager. They often work for your city's or county's building, permitting, engineering or land use department. Ask them if there is an elevation certificate on file for your property.

What is included in an elevation certificate?

The EC lists a building's location, lowest point of elevation, flood zone, and other characteristics. Under NFIP's pricing approach, an EC is no longer required to purchase coverage.

What is a BFE certificate?

Base flood elevation (BFE) is a value determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that helps identify the flood risk in a certain area. By extension, it also determines the risk a particular structure has of flooding if the water level rises.

Will an elevation certificate lower my flood insurance?

If property owners provide an EC with more detailed FFH and elevation information, the flood insurance rating engine may return a lower annual premium. FEMA's system compares the original elevation data with the updated information to deliver a more property-specific and equitable rate for the policyholder.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

What is Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate is a document used to certify the elevation of a building or structure in relation to the base flood elevation in flood zones. It is typically used for insurance purposes and to determine flood insurance rates.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in high-risk flood areas, primarily those who are required to carry flood insurance, are typically required to file an Elevation Certificate. Insurance companies often need the certificate to determine appropriate flood insurance premiums.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, a licensed surveyor or engineer must take precise measurements of the building's elevations and fill in the required fields on the form, including information about the building's location, flood zone, and elevation data.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide accurate elevation data about a building or structure to determine its flood risk and to assist in the accurate calculation of flood insurance premiums.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The information that must be reported on an Elevation Certificate includes the property's location, the type of structure, the flood zone designation, the base flood elevation, the lowest adjacent grade, and the lowest floor elevation, among other relevant data.