Flood Insurance

 

According to he Harris County Flood Control District, approximately two-thirds of the damage from Hurricane Harvey occurred outside the 100-Year Flood Plain.  Because of our elevation, heavy rainfall, stronger hurricanes and sea-level rise, any part of Houston may flood under the proper conditions.  Between 2014 and 2018,  40% of flood insurance claims were for policy holders outside of high-risk flood areas.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency,  is the federal agency that calculates risk and provides insurance to protect your home in case it floods. Most home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.  FEMA has changed how it calculates flood risk.  It now uses the history of flooding for the property and the cost to rebuild rather than just the sea level of the property.

Due to the increased flooding and the amount of money that the agency has paid in the past, the price for flood insurance has increased.  The National Flood Insurance Program is sponsored by FEMA, and the cost of flood insurance is set by the agency.  Check out the web page, and find out how the agency can assist you in finding coverage.  And note, any insurance company that offers home owner insurance should be able to assist you in purchasing flood insurance.

Be sure to protect your property as soon as possible. There is a time limit required before the policy takes effect.  Don't wait until a hurricane is identified in the Gulf to contact your insurance agent!