What CRS means
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary FEMA program for communities that go beyond minimum National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. Participating communities can earn premium discounts for eligible NFIP policies. It is not a property-level flood-risk determination.
How to check your community
- Start with FEMA. Open the official CRS page and find the current eligible-communities list.
- Find the right government. Search the city or county responsible for your property, not just the postal city.
- Check the date. Note the community class and effective date in the official publication.
- Ask about your policy. Have your insurance agent confirm eligibility and how any discount applies.
About the discount ladder
FEMA describes CRS discounts in 5% steps, from Class 9 (5%) to Class 1 (45%); Class 10 receives no CRS discount. These are program-level figures, not a quote or a promise of savings. Check FEMA’s current rules and ask your insurer how they apply to your policy.
Where an Elevation Certificate fits
An EC can support floodplain compliance and insurance due diligence. A CRS class reflects community practices, not your building’s elevation. Finding an EC does not establish insurance eligibility, change a flood map, or guarantee a lower premium.
Keep the next steps separate
- Look for an existing EC through indexed public portals.
- Review FEMA flood maps for map and zone context.
- Read FEMA map-amendment guidance if you have a question about a map designation.
- Confirm records and requirements with your local floodplain administrator.
Educational information only. Not insurance, legal, or surveying advice; not affiliated with FEMA or the NFIP.
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