Hurricane Harvey is still fresh in Houston’s memory after three years. As a coastal city, sisters with Galveston, we are all too familiar with hurricanes. But Harvey taught us a valuable lesson. Not all storms are alike. Hurricanes like Rita caused the most massive evacuation we have known and vast power outages and damages through high-speed winds. Ike’s most significant threat came from its storm surge on Galveston’s seawall. Houston, though, has seen most of our damages through the flooding of storms like Allison and Harvey.

Although much of Katy is on a 500-year floodplain, much of it and Houston reaches well into the 100-year floodplain range. Not only that, but storms like Harvey prove that it is the off chance that we prepare for through flood insurance. Large Houston areas on the Barker Reservoir, Bear Creek, and Buffalo Bayou will flood every time. Houstonians know that we have seen an increase in flooding as of recent. Experts claim this will continue, likely due to the city’s urban planning in combination with this decade’s climate pattern.

Understanding Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is the necessary and responsible purchase to make while owning property in the Houston-Galveston area. Before trying to skip out, it is essential to remember that homeowner’s insurance does not insure your home in the case of a flood. And, losses through flood damages average at $40,000. Some mortgage lenders may even require you to purchase flood insurance to protect themselves from losses.

The majority of flood insurance plans get purchased through programs that protect property owners in high-risk areas. Because people like us are at a higher risk of suffering from a flood, it could be more challenging to find an affordable plan. This is why the National Flood Insurance Program, NFIP, helps owners in participating communities purchase insurance through FEMA. Private flood insurance remains an option if you see a policy that you would rather. Texas Insurance Agency can help you look at both and find the right policy for your needs.

The NFIP policy is the most common flood insurance plan.

FEMA’s plan covers a maximum of $250,000 for home structures and $100,000 for its contents. Policies can cover foundations and support structures, electric systems, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, carpeting, and installed features such as bookcases and cabinets. Make sure you know of everything that your flood insurance plan does not include. Ten percent of your dwelling coverage can go towards a detached garage. FEMA’s plans do not cover for damages through sinkholes and sewer backup or your lost income, relocation costs, detached property, and your car. However, a proper auto insurance policy should cover a flooded vehicle.

Texas Insurance Agency has the knowledge and experience with the flood insurance policies available in Houston. To start protecting your property, call us at (713) 224-5500.