No part of Houston is immune from flooding due to torrential downpour, which can and does occur at any time of the year. Most significantly YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGE (damage from rising water). Let me repeat. YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGE.
Of the 100,000 homes flooded Harris County, Texas, in Hurricane Harvey in 2017, 80% did not have flood insurance.[1]
If you are not in a floodplain, this does not mean you will not flood. More than 20% of flood insurance claims are outside of flood plains. [2]Between 2015 and 2017 Houston had three rain events, including Hurricane Harvey that inundated areas of the 100 year and 500 year flood plains.
With rampant development that is spilling more water into Houston bayous, and more intense storms, this is a trend that will increase, not decrease. The reality is that there is no area in Houston that are safe from flooding. You cannot stop the waters, but can take steps to mitigate the damage.
In order to get insurance for flood damage you must get a separate policy. The federal government has set up a program to provide relatively inexpensive flood insurance for residential homes called the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). An NFIP policy for residential homes will cover up to $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for contents. Premiums will vary depending on what type of coverage and deductible you choose, and your location. In Texas, the average cost is about $700 a year.[3]
A good source of information about the NFIP program and how to obtain the insurance is posted on the Texas Department of Insurance, https://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/storms/flood-insurance.html. Easier yet, call your insurance agent. If you do not have flood insurance, I urge you to obtain it immediately.
If you have questions about insuring your home or making a claim, contact the Law Office of Elliott Klein, PLLC.
[1] Forbes; How Does The National Flood Insurance Program Work. June 29, 2020. Jason Metz.
[2] Insurance Journal; Flood Insurance Uptake Rates Rise in Texas Following Harvey. July 31, 2018. Juan A Lozano and Meghan Hoyer.