Community Rating System

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that encourages communities to go beyond the minimum floodplain management requirements. Communities that participate in the CRS can qualify for premium discounts on NFIP policies by taking measures to reduce flood risk and improve public safety.

CRS Details

• Community Classification: Participating communities earn points for implementing specific floodplain management activities. Based on the total points, FEMA assigns a CRS classification ranging from Class 10 (no discount) to Class 1 (maximum discount of 45%).
• Premium Discounts: CRS classifications determine the premium discounts applied to flood insurance policies within the community. For example, Class 9 provides a 5% discount, while Class 1 offers a 45% discount.

Activities That Earn CRS Points

Communities can earn CRS points in four main categories:

1. Public Information: Outreach efforts and educational programs about flood risk.
2. Mapping and Regulation: Improving floodplain maps and enforcing stronger building codes.
3. Flood Damage Reduction: Projects to mitigate flood risks, such as elevating buildings or constructing levees.
4. Flood Preparedness: Plans and programs for emergency response and recovery.

Important Notes for Agents

• Eligibility: Not all policies are eligible for CRS discounts. For instance, policies for buildings that violate floodplain management standards or are provisionally rated do not qualify.
• Consistency: The CRS discount applies uniformly across all eligible policies within a participating community.

Where to Find CRS Information

FEMA provides a list of participating communities and their CRS classifications. Agents can check this information to confirm eligibility for discounts. Visit FEMA's CRS page for more details.

CRS benefits both communities and policyholders by incentivizing safer practices and reducing the financial impact of flooding. Encourage your clients to check their community’s CRS status for potential premium savings.

This page contains information about the NFIP. Find more NFIP Resources.