What is the Community Rating System (CRS)?

The CRS is a voluntary program by FEMA that rewards communities with higher floodplain management standards with lower flood insurance premiums. Ratings range from 1 (best) to 10, with premium discounts of 5-45%.

How much can CRS save on flood insurance?

Savings range from 5% for Class 10 communities up to 45% for Class 1 communities. The average savings for CRS communities is about 20%.

Is my community in the CRS program?

Over 1,500 communities participate in CRS. Check with your local floodplain manager or search the FEMA CRS locator to see if your community participates.

What can I do to help my community maintain or improve its CRS rating?

Support local floodplain management initiatives, attend public meetings about flood safety, report flooding issues to local officials, and maintain your property according to flood regulations.

Community Rating System (CRS): How It Lowers Your Flood Insurance Premiums

If you live in a community that has taken extra steps to reduce flood risk, you could be paying less for flood insurance than you think. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community Rating System (CRS) rewards communities that go above and beyond minimum floodplain management requirements with discounted flood insurance premiums for their residents. ## How the CRS Program Works The CRS was created in 1990 as an incentive-based program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. Communities that participate in the CRS agree to implement activities that: - Reduce flood damage - Encourage insurance coverage - Promote awareness of flood risks In return, policyholders in these communities receive premium discounts on their flood insurance policies through the NFIP. ### CRS Ratings Explained Communities are rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with Class 1 representing the highest level of floodplain management and the largest premium discounts: | CRS Class | Premium Discount | Number of Activities Required | |-----------|------------------|------------------------------| | Class 1 | 45% off | 18+ credit points | | Class 2 | 40% off | 16+ credit points | | Class 3 | 35% off | 14+ credit points | | Class 4 | 30% off | 12+ credit points | | Class 5 | 25% off | 10+ credit points | | Class 6 | 20% off | 8+ credit points | | Class 7 | 15% off | 6+ credit points | | Class 8 | 10% off | 4+ credit points | | Class 9 | 5% off | 2+ credit points | | Class 10 | 5% off | Minimum activities | ## Activities That Earn CRS Credits Communities can earn credits for a variety of activities organized into four categories: ### 1. Public Information (Credit 1-4) These activities inform residents about flood risks and insurance: - Flood hazard mapping and disclosure - Outreach projects like brochures and websites - Flood protection information available at building departments - Educational programs in schools ### 2. Mapping and Regulations (Credit 5-8) These involve regulatory measures: - Higher freeboard requirements (elevating structures above base flood level) - More restrictive development standards in flood zones - Floodplain management regulations - Stormwater management requirements ### 3. Flood Damage Reduction (Credit 9-12) Infrastructure and drainage improvements: - Acquisition and relocation of flood-prone structures - Drainage system maintenance - Flood control projects like levees and retention basins - Watershed planning ### 4. Warning and Response (Credit 13-18) Emergency services and preparedness: - Flood warning and response plans - StormReady certification - Emergency supply distribution - Evacuation route planning ## How to Check If Your Community Participates Over 1,500 communities across the United States participate in the CRS program. To find out if your community is participating: 1. **Check the FEMA CRS Locator**: The official FEMA website maintains a searchable database of all CRS communities 2. **Contact your local building department**: They can tell you if your community participates and what your class rating is 3. **Ask your insurance agent**: They should have access to CRS information and can calculate your potential savings ## How to Maximize Your Savings Even if you live in a CRS community, your actual savings depend on several factors: ### Know Your Community's Rating Call your local floodplain manager or building department to find out your community's CRS class. You can also search the FEMA CRS publications that list all participating communities by state. ### Understand What's Covered The CRS discount applies to NFIP flood insurance policies, including: - Building coverage - Contents coverage - Both primary and secondary residences - Business policies ### Combine with Other Discounts CRS savings can stack with other discounts: - Claims-free discount (up to 20%) - Multiple policy discount (if you have auto insurance with the same company) - New home construction discount (for homes built after Flood Map changes) ## What If Your Community Doesn't Participate? If your community isn't in the CRS, you can advocate for participation: 1. **Attend city council or planning meetings**: Ask about floodplain management activities 2. **Contact your floodplain manager**: Express support for CRS participation 3. **Share information**: Help neighbors understand flood risks and the benefits of CRS 4. **Support local initiatives**: Back drainage improvements and flood awareness programs FEMA provides technical assistance to communities interested in joining the CRS. Many communities find that the administrative effort is worth the economic development benefits that come with demonstrating strong floodplain management. ## The Bottom Line The Community Rating System offers real, measurable savings on flood insurance for residents of participating communities. With premiums ranging from 5-45% off, the program provides substantial relief for homeowners in flood-prone areas. The savings are automatic once your community participates—you just need to maintain flood insurance through the NFIP. Contact your insurance agent to confirm your discount is applied correctly. Check our guide on [How to File a Flood Insurance Claim](/knowledge/how-to-file-flood-insurance-claim) to understand your coverage, or explore [FEMA Flood Assistance Programs](/knowledge/fema-flood-assistance-programs) to learn about additional resources available to homeowners.