Virginia Beach flood-insurance discounts will rise to 20% in October

Most eligible Virginia Beach policyholders in the National Flood Insurance Program are scheduled to receive a larger flood-insurance discount beginning October 1, 2026.

FEMA is moving Virginia Beach from Community Rating System Class 7 to Class 6. The change raises the discount from 15% to 20% for most eligible NFIP policies issued or renewed on or after October 1.

What the change means for policyholders

The discount applies to eligible policies in the federal National Flood Insurance Program. It does not automatically apply to every property owner in Virginia Beach, and the city report does not establish that the change applies to private flood-insurance products.

FEMA says some NFIP policies may not receive the full CRS discount, including group flood-insurance policies, provisionally rated policies, policies affected by maximum rate caps and policies covering buildings that do not comply with community floodplain-management regulations.

Policyholders should check their renewal date and confirm eligibility with their insurance agent or NFIP insurer. The change is not a new flood-insurance requirement, and it does not guarantee a fixed dollar reduction for every policy. The actual savings will depend on the policy, premium and any other applicable rating rules.

City report outlines the rating change

Virginia Beach city staff disclosed the change in a September 11, 2026 report prepared for City Council. The council is scheduled to receive a briefing on the update on September 15. The briefing is informational; it is not a new council vote or approval of the FEMA classification.

The Community Rating System credits communities for floodplain-management activities that exceed minimum federal requirements. According to the city report, Virginia Beach received credit for providing flood-zone and flood-insurance information, maintaining drainage systems, conducting public outreach, disclosing flood hazards to prospective buyers, supporting mapping services and applying higher regulatory standards for development.

Discount depends on continued compliance

The improved classification reflects the floodplain-management activities credited under FEMA’s rating system. It should not be read as a finding that flooding risk has disappeared or declined by a specific amount.

FEMA says the rating is renewed annually as long as Virginia Beach has no NFIP noncompliance actions and continues the activities certified in its annual recertification documentation. Future changes in the city’s programs, documentation or compliance status could affect the classification and discount.

For residents with NFIP coverage, the immediate next step is to contact the insurer or agent before the next policy is issued or renewed. They can confirm whether the policy qualifies for the 20% CRS discount beginning October 1, 2026.

Sources

• Virginia Beach City Council staff report
• FEMA Community Rating System Discount FAQ