A good portion of Central Indiana is in a flood plain, some areas worse than others. Granted, my current house may be at greater risk, but how much greater than my house in Indianapolis, I don't know. To suggest people are foolish for living in a flood plain ignores how much of the United States developed, i.e., along rivers and major waterways. You'd have to resettle a big chunk of people presumably to arid land--which presents its own problems. Plus, according to FEMA, one quarter of all claims are made by people in low to moderate risk. And these are just from people who carry the insurance.

My hestitation relates to sinking a serious chunk of change annually for something that may or may not happen. I am a Federal employee but have limited faith in some of what we do. I've heard and read too many stories about failed and delayed disaster relief so I think my question about whether it's a well run program is pretty valid.

Keep in mind that my house did not flood in the Flood of 2008, which most people agreed was THE 100-year Flood. So, while I will likely do it, I was trying to get my head around the risk versus cost. If we stay here 10 years, it's likely to be at least $16,000. That's not pocket change, nor obviously is losing our house and all of its contents either. So, yes, we're likely to get it. Thanks for everyone's input and information.