Does FEMA Flood Insurance Cover Second Homes? What Homeowners in Texas Should Know

Many Texans assume FEMA will repair or rebuild their vacation home after a flood, but that’s not how government assistance works. If you own a lake house, beach condo, or investment cabin, FEMA will not step in with grants after a disaster. Your second home needs its own flood insurance policy because FEMA assistance only supports primary residences. This guide explains the difference between FEMA disaster aid, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance, and how to make sure your second home is fully protected before the next storm.

How FEMA Flood Insurance Covers Second Homes

Yes, NFIP policies are available for second homes, vacation homes, rental properties, and investment homes. You can purchase an NFIP policy through any licensed insurance agent. However, there’s an important distinction:

• NFIP flood insurance does cover second homes.
• FEMA disaster grants do not.

If your second home floods, you won’t receive federal repair money through FEMA assistance. Only NFIP or private flood insurance policies can help pay for rebuilding.

FEMA Assistance vs. NFIP Flood Insurance

Many homeowners misunderstand what FEMA provides after a flood. The table below breaks down the key differences. FEMA assistance is meant to provide minimal help for essential living conditions, not full repairs, and again, it is only for primary residences. NFIP is what actually protects your home’s structure and contents after a flood.

Why You Must Insure Your Second Home Separately for Texas Flooding

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S., yet standard homeowners insurance never covers flood damage—not even partial losses. Without a separate NFIP policy, your second home is unprotected. Second homes face particularly high flood risk because:

• They’re often vacant, meaning damage goes unnoticed longer.
• Waterfront and coastal locations, such as Galveston, Port Aransas, or lake communities, are more flood-prone.
• Texas flood events happen statewide, including Houston, Hill Country, East Texas, and the Gulf Coast.
• FEMA grants will not repair or replace your secondary home.

If your second home floods, flood insurance, not FEMA, is your safety net.

What NFIP Flood Insurance Covers for Second Homes in Texas

NFIP flood policies protect your second home much like they protect your primary residence. Coverage includes:

• Building Coverage: roof, walls, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, flooring, built-in appliances
• Contents Coverage (optional): furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, personal belongings
• Detached Structures: garages, sheds (with certain limits)
• Flood Events: coastal flooding, river overflow, storm surge, flash flooding, rapid rainfall flooding

Remember, every property requires its own NFIP policy. Your first home’s flood insurance does not extend to a second home under any circumstances.

How to Get Flood Insurance for a Second Home in Texas

Securing flood insurance for a vacation or rental property is easier than it seems. A few key steps can set you up with the right protection:

• Confirm NFIP eligibility in your community, as most Texas areas participate.
• Connect with an insurance professional who can walk you through both NFIP and private flood options.
• Choose the coverage you need, whether that’s the building itself, your belongings, or both.
• Be aware of waiting periods; NFIP typically doesn’t take effect for 30 days unless tied to a loan.
• Look at private flood policies if you want higher limits or quicker activation.

Flood damage is costly, but the right policy ensures your second home is protected long before the next storm rolls in. Freedom Insurance Group can help you compare options and find coverage that fits your needs. Contact us today or get an online flood insurance quote to compare the top private and government coverage options in Texas. Sources: FEMA. Accessed December 2025.