Starting October 20, residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands can purchase federal flood insurance directly through an online portal operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, bypassing the need for an insurance agent.
The service runs via FloodSmart.gov under FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Customers enter property details, receive a price quote and finalize their purchase all on the website. Insurance agents remain available for those who prefer working with them.
The rollout extends FEMA's online flood insurance capability to roughly 22,700 participating communities across the country, including the Virgin Islands. The territory has been part of the federal flood insurance program for many years.
This launch builds on an April 2025 FEMA initiative that allowed people to request quotes online and find licensed insurance providers, but did not yet permit them to complete sales through the website.
Residential customers can secure up to $250,000 in building protection and $100,000 in contents protection. Renters and business operators may purchase separate policies, with terms based on property classification.
Coverage is available to properties outside designated high-risk flood zones. Owners of certain properties in high-risk areas who have federally backed mortgages must carry flood insurance. Most policies become active 30 days after purchase, though mortgage-related transactions and some federal flood map updates may qualify for exceptions.
FEMA's announcement does not address how the new online system accommodates properties lacking standard street addresses, a challenge that affected Virgin Islands residents seeking federal flood insurance in 2021. At that time, Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, who also serves as the territory's insurance commissioner, stated that his office was collaborating with FEMA to tackle the issue using Geographic Information Systems mapping.
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