If your home is in an area that's considered high risk of flooding, you'll probably need to provide your Elevation Certificate to your insurance agent to get a flood insurance quote.

According to FloodSmart.gov, if you choose to get an Elevation Certificate it should be provided to your insurance provider, who will help determine if it can be used to lower your flood insurance rates.

You can look up your property on FEMA's flood maps to help determine whether your property is in a high-risk flood zone and if you may want to acquire an Elevation Certificate.

Keep in mind, though, that all properties have some risk of flooding, so it may be a good idea to consider buying flood insurance even if you're not required to. Your insurance provider can help answer your questions so you can determine whether flood insurance makes sense for you.