Are Your Elevators Really Covered by Flood Insurance? Here’s What Every Condo Board Needs to Know

Most condo boards assume their elevators are protected under their flood policy — after all, they’re a critical part of the building. But under the NFIP, that’s not always the case.

Here’s the truth:
If your elevator system is located below the lowest elevated floor, you could be exposed to a major gap in coverage.

Let’s break it down so your board can make confident, informed decisions before the next flood — not after.

📘 What the NFIP Policy Actually Says

Both the NFIP Dwelling Form and General Property Form include coverage for elevators — but there’s a major limitation.

Under Section IV – Property Not Covered, the policy states:

“We do not cover the following property located in, on, or over water, or located below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated Post-FIRM building:... elevators and related equipment.”

In plain terms?
If your building was constructed after the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was adopted (Post-FIRM), and it’s located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), elevators below the lowest elevated floor are excluded.

That’s not a maybe. That’s policy.

🔎 What This Means for Condo Associations

Most mid- to high-rise condos in flood zones have elevators that service ground-level or below-grade areas — like garages, lobbies, or basements.

If those systems are below the “lowest elevated floor” as defined by FEMA, your policy may not cover damage to:

• Elevator cabs

• Motors and control panels

• Shaft infrastructure

• Safety systems

And that could mean tens (or hundreds) of thousands in uninsured damage after a flood.

💡 Empowered Boards Ask the Right Questions

Here’s what proactive boards are doing to make sure their elevators — and their budgets — are protected:

✅ Check your elevation certificate
Know exactly where your lowest elevated floor is, and where the elevator equipment is located relative to it.

✅ Review your flood policy with a specialist
An agent may sell you the policy, but it takes someone who understands how FEMA interprets coverage to spot gaps early.

✅ Explore private flood options
Some private policies offer broader mechanical coverage than NFIP — especially for critical systems like elevators.

✅ Have a pre-flood review annually
Flood risk evolves. So should your protection.

You Don’t Need to Panic — You Just Need a Plan

The good news? You’re not stuck guessing.
With the right guidance, you can move from uncertainty to clarity — and make sure your elevator systems are either covered or planned for.

💬 Want help reviewing your building’s coverage before the next flood hits?
👉 Book a free consultation and let’s make sure your elevator — and everything else — is flood-ready. [Schedule Your Call Here]