(800) 253-1482Flood Insurance in Texas
Summary: Severe thunderstorms and tropical disturbances bring rain and storm surges that can destroy your home. With the increased population of the Lone Star State, flood insurance in Texas is only growing in importance. Home and renters policies won’t cover flood damage, but protection is available. Estimated Read Time: 5 mins
Table of Contents:
- Get Your Free Texas Flood Insurance Quote
- How Much Is Flood Insurance in Texas?
- What Does Private Flood Insurance in Texas Cover?
- Is Flood Insurance Required in Texas?
- Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding in Texas?
- How to Get Cheap Flood Insurance in Texas
- Pros and Cons of Flood Insurance in Texas
A homeowners insurance policy or renters policy is an important way to protect your property, but neither provides coverage for flooding. Having flood insurance in Texas is important, as the threat continues to grow due to changing weather patterns and population increases. Below, we’re reviewing the costs, coverage, and options you have to protect yourself from flooding.
Get Your Free Texas Flood Insurance Quote
Even if your home isn’t at a high risk, having flood insurance in Texas is crucial. Flash floods and changing landscapes are challenges for residents who not only need to protect against perils in the present but also in the future.
Having a policy in place early is also important, as it takes 30 days for flood insurance coverage to be in effect.
Get your free, no-obligation flood insurance quote today to compare both government coverage and private flood insurance carriers to find the best protection at the lowest price for your home.
How Much Is Flood Insurance in Texas?
The cost of flood insurance in Texas may vary, but most homeowners can expect to spend $700 to $1,000 on average per year. This figure can vary for a number of factors, including the risk of flooding where your home is located, the amount of coverage you require, etc.
What Does Private Flood Insurance in Texas Cover?
A government-based flood insurance policy will provide policy limits of $250,000 for your home’s structure. You can also have coverage for personal belongings, which can reach up to $100,000. Here are some examples of how government and private flood insurance protects your home:
| Building Coverage: | Contents Coverage: |
| Home systems, such as HVAC, electrical systems, and plumbing | Personal belongings |
| Your home’s foundation | Electronics and smaller appliances |
| Permanently installed features, such as bookshelves, staircases, and appliances | Portable AC units |
However, private flood insurance carriers may offer higher policy limits. Anyone in need of a higher level of coverage should compare their options through private carriers. However, you can expect to pay higher premiums if you require more protection.
Is Flood Insurance Required in Texas?
There are some cases in which you may be required to have a flood insurance policy in Texas. However, for most homeowners, the coverage is optional. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) Plan of Operation and Texas Insurance Code Chapter 2210 are the legislation mandating such guidelines.
You must follow flood insurance requirements if you meet all of the following conditions:
- Suppose a part of your property is considered to be in a V, VE, or V1-V30 flood zone according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This is because properties in these flood zones are at a greater risk of flooding from storm surges and coastal storm waves.
- The NFIP offers coverage for your property.
- While standard maintenance or repairs don’t typically qualify, should your home’s structure have work done and you meet the previous two conditions, you’ll need flood coverage. Smaller repairs or maintenance don’t count if the opportunities are used to alter, enlarge, or remodel as part of the process.
Checking flood maps by address is a great way to understand where your property stands. Be sure to understand your property lines and the availability of coverage, as you may be required to purchase a policy by law.
It’s also worth mentioning that while the requirement to purchase flood insurance in Texas doesn’t always apply, some lenders may require the coverage.
Homeowners who purchase their homes through a mortgage will need to understand their lender’s terms and conditions.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding in Texas?
In Texas, as in most parts of the U.S., standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage caused by external sources, such as heavy rains, storm surges, or the overflow of rivers and lakes.
If you want protection from flood damage in Texas, you typically need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy, particularly in areas with a known risk of flooding.
How to Get Cheap Flood Insurance in Texas
Protecting your home and personal property from flooding is important, but you don’t want to overpay. There are plenty of ways to go about finding coverage, but these steps will help you get the cheapest flood insurance possible:
Understand Your Home’s Flood Risk
The first thing you’ll want to do is understand how much coverage you’ll need. This can be done by assessing your home’s risk of flooding along with the value of your home and belongings.
Some homes are at a greater risk of flooding, such as those along the Gulf Coast, in Flash Flood Alley, or just by any general body of water. Remember to look up your home’s flood zones and to protect yourself accordingly.
Shop and Compare Rates From Private and FEMA Flood Insurance
As with any insurance policy, coverages can vary from carrier to carrier. With flood insurance, you’ll have options from both private carriers and the government. However, availability will vary by location. Either way, failing to shop around and compare means the following:
- You could overpay for coverage.
- You may not find adequate coverage for your needs.
Bundle Your Policies Together
From convenience to the cost of premiums, bundling your policies can benefit homeowners and renters alike.
Although a home or renters policy won’t protect against flood damage, they are still important for protecting against other perils. Furthermore, a comprehensive car insurance policy can protect your vehicle from weather-related perils, such as flooding.
Pros and Cons of Flood Insurance in Texas
Having flood insurance is becoming more and more important. Texas is one of the fastest-growing states by population, and with the increase of residents comes the increased risk of flooding.
If you are looking to buy flood insurance, it’s important that you understand how enrolling in coverage will affect your home. Here are the pros and cons of protecting your home with a policy:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Flood damage is typically very expensive, making coverage a good investment | Private insurance options may be difficult to find based on location |
| Homeowners and renters are provided with affordable protection not otherwise available | Deductibles for private flood insurance can also be quite high |
| Private flood insurance in Texas may be a faster reimbursement than government options | There is a growing concern about insurance companies leaving Texas due to climate change |
| You may find larger policy limits for your possessions through private flood coverage | NFIP policy limits may not be enough to cover major losses |
