Texas Flood Insurance: Complete Guide for Homeowners in 2024

One in six Texans lives or works in flood-prone areas.^[1] And Texas has had nine flooding events that led to more than $1 billion in damage since 1980.^[2] But standard homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damage. In some situations, mortgage companies can require you to purchase flood insurance, but only 14% of Texas homeowners have flood insurance.^[3]

Flooding in Texas is becoming an expensive and disastrous problem, so purchasing flood insurance is a wise investment. Here’s what you should know about how flood insurance works, what it might cost, whether you really need it, and how to get it.

Cost of flood insurance in Texas

The average Texas flood insurance rate is $779 per year, which is slightly less than the national annual average of $888. Your cost depends on the location of your home, the building and structure, and whether you live near a coast, river, or lake.

Central Texas, nicknamed “Flash Flood Alley,” is at a high risk of flooding. It’s why counties in the central part of the state, such as Martin, Baylor, and Crockett, have the highest flood insurance coverage costs. The Panhandle area, including Crosby, Carson, Wheeler, and Moore counties, offers some of the cheapest premiums.

The table below shows the annual flood insurance cost for counties in Texas.

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Do you need flood insurance in Texas?

While not always required, you may find flood insurance necessary. Flood insurance in Texas isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential for many property owners in the Lone Star State. If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the federal government can require you to buy flood insurance.

Most of Texas’ major cities are prone to hurricane flooding or are in Flash Flood Alley, and more than 5 million Texans live or work in flood-risk areas throughout the state.

But more than 40% of flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk flood zones. If a flood damages your home and you don’t have flood coverage, you’re responsible for the total cost of repairs and replacements. An inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. The department reports that the average flood claim comes in at $115,000.^[6]

How to determine your flood risk

FEMA uses Flood Insurance Rate Maps to categorize areas by risk level. A and V zones are riskier, with a 1 in 4 chance of flooding over the course of 30 years. Zones B, C, and X have a moderate-to-low risk. Despite the lower threat, these areas account for more than 20% of flood claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center can aid you in determining whether you’re at risk of flooding. The Texas Water Development Board provides water levels and flood information in your area. Your local community may have a flood warning system, too.

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What flood insurance covers in Texas

Flood insurance is crucial for Texas homeowners because standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Flood insurance can step in to protect your home and belongings.

Some key items that flood insurance covers include:

• Structural damage, including walls, staircases, and foundation

• Personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, and electronics

• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems

• Carpeting, built-in cabinets, and other permanent fixtures

• Built-in appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers

• Detached garages

• Window blinds and curtains

Remember to read the fine print because policies don’t always include personal belongings. Sometimes, personal property is separate from building coverage. Check with your insurance agent to determine if you need to pay extra to add personal property coverage.

What flood insurance doesn’t cover

Flood insurance doesn’t cover everything. It’s better to find out what your policy might exclude before facing a disaster.

Here are a few common items that flood insurance policies typically don’t reimburse you for, even if a flood causes the damage:

• Temporary housing, like hotel or rental costs, while waiting for home repairs

• High-value items like jewelry, art, or antique collections

• Cash, stock certificates, and other financial paperwork or currency

• Personal items that you stored in your basement

• Outdoor property like landscaping, pools, fences, and decks

• Septic system repairs or replacements

• Vehicle damage or replacement parts

• Income you lose due to business interruption after a flood

How to buy flood insurance in Texas

To buy flood insurance in Texas, you have two main options: private insurers and the NFIP. While NFIP coverage is the most common choice, it’s worth exploring your current homeowners insurance company first.^[7]

Private flood insurance policies offer higher coverage limits — often up to $1 million or more. Additionally, you may be able to save on premiums by bundling your homeowners and flood insurance with the same company.

If your current insurer doesn’t offer flood coverage, you can contact the NFIP to find a flood insurance agent. But keep in mind that NFIP policies have lower coverage limits. The most you can get is $250,000 for your home and $100,000 for its contents.

Another crucial factor to consider is the waiting period. NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins, while private flood insurance policies have a maximum waiting period of 15 days. Depending on the company, your policy might even kick in right away.^[8]

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Tips for filing a flood insurance claim in Texas

If your home has flood damage, knowing the steps to file a flood insurance claim in Texas is crucial. Here are some essential tips to ensure the process goes smoothly:

1. Contact your insurance company or the NFIP at 1 (877) 336-2627.

2. Take photos or videos of the destruction of your home and personal belongings.

3. Start cleaning up, but don’t discard any items until your adjuster inspects them (unless they pose a health hazard or the law requires it).

4. If your policy covers personal belongings, list damaged or destroyed personal property, including receipts.

5. Check your claim for errors or missed damages — you have only 60 days to add to your claim.

You’ll typically hear from your adjuster within a day or two after starting the claim. How long it takes to process your claim can depend on how severe the flooding is and the number of affected homes in your area.

Texas flood insurance FAQs