Community Rating System

Coordinator's Manual

Forms

Participating Communities

Discounts on Flood Insurance

Data Visualizations

Case Studies, Blogs & Fact Sheets

FAQ

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Over 1,500 communities participate nationwide.

In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s efforts that address the three goals of the program:

1. Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property
2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program
3. Foster comprehensive floodplain management

The Coordinator’s Manual is the guidebook for the Community Rating System. The Coordinator’s Manual explains how the program operates, how credits are calculated, what documentation is required, and how class ratings are determined. It also acts as guidance for communities in enhancing their flood loss reduction and resource protection activities.

• Section 100 gives general background information on the CRS.
• Section 200 explains the application and verification procedures.
• Sections 300 through 700 explain the credit points and calculations that are used to verify CRS credit.

• The addendum to the Coordinator’s Manual became effective in January 2021.
• The 2021 Addendum and the 2017 CRS Coordinator’s Manual together constitute the official statement of CRS credits and procedures. These two documents will remain effective until a fully revised edition of the Coordinator’s Manual is issued in the future.
• Read answers to frequently asked questions about the 2021 addendum.

These forms are used by communities that wish to apply to the CRS and also by communities that already participate. The forms and their purposes are explained in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual, 2017 edition, as updated by the 2021 Addendum. The forms can also be obtained from a community’s ISO/CRS Specialist.

CRS Participating Communities

View the Community Rating System eligible communities, effective October 1, 2024.

The CRS Communities Credit File provides detailed data about the credit points each CRS community receives.  Individuals desiring greater understanding of this data can find explanations in the CRS Coordinator's Manual.

CRS Communities Credit File

Future Participating Communities

You can also preview upcoming Community Rating System participation information below. 

Discounts on Flood Insurance Premiums for CRS Communities

Flood insurance premium discounts in CRS communities range from 5% to 45% and are discounted in increments of 5%. A Class 10 community is not participating in the CRS and receives no discount. A Class 9 community receives a 5% discount for all policies, a Class 8 community receives a 10% discount, all the way to a Class 1 community, which receives a 45% premium discount.

Classifications are based on the community’s CRS credit points obtained in 19 creditable activities. The CRS activities are organized in four categories:

• Public Information
• Mapping and Regulations
• Flood Damage Reduction
• Warning and Response

Under the National Flood Insurance Program’s pricing approach, the CRS discount is applied to the full-risk premium for all NFIP policies in the Regular Program in a participating community, including policies outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

An individual’s NFIP policy may be excluded from receiving the CRS discount if their structure is deemed to be not in compliance with community floodplain management regulations. Individuals should work with their local FPA to regain eligibility for the CRS discount. Review the National Violation Tracker and CRS Discount Exclusions fact sheet for more information.

The table below shows the credit points earned, classification awarded and premium reductions.

CRS Credit Points	CRS Class	CRS Discount (Premium Reduction)
4,500+	1	45%
4,000 – 4,499	2	40%
3,500 – 3,999	3	35%
3,000 – 3,499	4	30%
2,500 – 2,999	5	25%
2,000 – 2,499	6	20%
1,500 – 1,999	7	15%
1,000 – 1,499	8	10%
500 – 999	9	5%
0 – 499	10	0

The data visualizations below allow users to search, visualize and interact with data connected to the CRS.  There are two tabs to navigate, CRS Participation and State Profiles, which include participation maps and community lists, classification charts, state vs. national comparisons, and scoring and insurance information.  By hovering, clicking, and filtering, users can drill down into the information that’s most useful to them. 

This FAQ is a quick-reference guide for policyholders on FEMA's CRS program. It explains CRS discounts and common reasons why policyholders might not see discounts in their policy. Additionally, it outlines the next steps for addressing these issues, assisting policyholders in navigating the CRS program effectively.

CRS Discount FAQ (English)