Risk Rating 2.0 changed how NFIP prices flood insurance and left many wondering if Elevation Certificates still matter. Short answer: they are no longer required for rating, but they can still lower premiums, unlock map-change requests, and prove code compliance. Use the guide and calculator below to decide if an EC is worth it for your property in 2026.
ECs are optional for NFIP rating
Useful for map changes and compliance
Can reduce premiums if data helps
1What Changed Under Risk Rating 2.0
| Topic | Before RR2.0 | Now (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Is an EC required to buy NFIP? | Sometimes required for certain zones and new policies. | No. ECs are optional for rating, but can be submitted to refine data. |
| How is first floor height determined? | Often from maps and measured elevations on EC. | System generated from FEMA data, or optionally from an EC if favorable. |
| Premium sensitivity to elevation | Elevation relative to BFE drove price in mapped zones. | Elevation still matters, but as one of many property factors in the model. |
| Role in compliance and permitting | Used to show lowest floor and BFE compliance. | Still used by communities to verify code compliance when required. |
Bottom line: for rating, ECs are optional. For proving compliance or improving a map designation, they can still be essential.
2When an Elevation Certificate Still Helps
Premium savings potential
- Your building sits higher than FEMA’s default data suggests.
- First floor height is above adjacent grade, but the system is conservative.
- Complex sites where a surveyed lowest adjacent grade clarifies risk.
Tip: Ask your agent to quote both ways. If the EC yields a lower premium, you keep it. If not, you do not have to use it for rating.
Map and compliance uses
- LOMA / LOMR-F: Remove or adjust a high risk designation when the structure or fill is above the mapped flood level.
- Permits: Many communities use ECs to verify lowest floor and foundation details for code compliance.
- CRS documentation: Communities in CRS may rely on EC data in their programs.
If you plan a LOMA or elevation based variance, an EC with certified elevations is standard support.
3Quick Decision Matrix
| Situation | Order an EC? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Considering a LOMA/LOMR-F to change map status | Yes | Certified elevations are typical evidence for map amendments or revisions. |
| Community requires proof of lowest floor for permits | Yes | Shows compliance and protects you during inspections. |
| NFIP quote seems high vs actual site elevation | Usually | Submitting EC data can replace conservative system values and reduce premium. |
| Private flood policy beats NFIP on price and coverage | Maybe | EC may be unnecessary unless needed for permits or future map work. |
| Home clearly below grade with repeated losses | Rarely | EC unlikely to help rating. Focus on mitigation and correct limits. |
4Elevation Certificate Payback Calculator
Estimate whether an EC pays for itself. Enter the survey cost and the expected premium reduction if the EC improves your rating.
Your Result
Total savings over period: $0
Net benefit after EC cost: $0
Rule of thumb: If the EC reduces premium by more than 10 to 15 percent and you will hold the policy for several years, it often pays back.
5What an EC Includes
Key fields
- Building address and use, occupancy, and construction details.
- Lowest Adjacent Grade, elevations of machinery/equipment, and first floor height.
- Photographs of each side of the building.
Sections can be completed by a surveyor, engineer, or in some cases by the owner for non certified portions. Communities may require professional certification for permits.
Common mistakes
- Wrong datum or benchmark used for elevation references.
- Missing photos or unclear first floor height location.
- Equipment elevations not listed, which can affect compliance.
Tip: Ask your surveyor to verify datum, map panel, and that all required photos and measurements are included before you submit.
6Checklist: Deciding on an EC in 2026
Open checklist
- Get an NFIP quote and a private flood quote on the same limits and deductibles.
- If the NFIP quote seems elevated for your site, ask the agent to model with and without EC data.
- If seeking a LOMA/LOMR-F, plan on a professionally certified EC as part of the application.
- Confirm with your local floodplain administrator whether an EC is required for permits or inspections.
- If your community is in CRS, check if ECs support any local discount activities.
If you need an EC for a map amendment or for local compliance, it is a clear yes. For rating alone, treat it like an investment. Get both NFIP and private quotes, model your premium with and without EC data, and order the survey only if the savings over the years are likely to exceed the cost.
