The Borough of Belmar is enrolled in the Community Rating System. This participation is made possible by the Borough's involvement in executing initiatives designed to reduce flood losses, educate the residents on flood insurance and its importance in floodplain areas, and to achieve current and accurate ratings. The floodplain management activities implemented by the Borough qualify for 20% off the premium cost of flood insurance for NFIP policies issued or renewed in Special Flood Hazard Areas and a 10% reduction of flood insurance premiums on policies located outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area. For more information about the Community Rating System, visit Monmouth County's website.

Flood insurance protects dwellings in cases of water damage that is not covered under standard homeowner insurance policies. Facts concerning flood insurance:

1. Flood insurance is required for almost every mortgage issued on homes in a flood zone. 

2. If you are insuring your principal residence, coverage will apply on a replacement cost basis, provided your policy limit is equal to 80% of the full replacement cost, or you have the maximum coverage of $250,000.00 that is currently available. 

3. If you are purchasing a new home, there is no waiting period applicable to the purchase of flood insurance. New applications on homes not being acquired through sale, there's a 30 day waiting period.

4. "Grandfathered" rates on flood policies can be transferred from seller to buyer on a continuous coverage basis.

More information can be found at www.floodsmart.gov

New Jersey property owners with questions about National Flood Insurance Program rates now have a helpline to call to get the most up-to-date information. 

The number is 877-287-9804 for people who need information about their flood insurance rates based on the newly released National Flood Insurance Program Preliminary Work Maps for Monmouth, Hudson, Atlantic and Ocean counties.