Flood Insurance – Should You Get It?

For those who have lived in Houston since mid-2017, you have experienced Harvey and Imelda and know the importance of flood insurance and why it is so often recommended for homeowners in the Gulf Coast region. For residents who have recently moved to the area, flood control districts and the Texas Department of Insurance make strong cases as to why you should consider getting flood insurance.

If It Can Rain, It Can Flood

This is a very succinct way of saying everyone is at risk in the Gulf Coast, depending on the severity of the storm and other contributing factors. The drainage areas are meant to convey a measured amount of water every 24 hours, and this can differ from watershed to watershed. Most home insurance policies do not carry flood insurance, as it requires a separate policy in the State of Texas.

Know Your Risk

As counties are being re-mapped post-Harvey in conjunction with state and federal agencies, these new floodplain maps are being released to the public to provide updated information regarding flood risk for residents. For more information on these maps and viewing, see the links below.

Preliminary Fort Bend County Maps – Original Release April 2019, Updated March 17, 2021

Interactive Harris County Maps

Additional Resources

Texas Department of Insurance has a very clear and easy-to-read page on their website regarding flood insurance information, including steps to take if you are interested. They also have a video that covers these same basics: https://youtu.be/DO_P8XnK3GQ

Harris County Flood Control District goes a little further and state clearly on their website, in reference to flood insurance, “Everyone Needs It.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has instituted a national information website page regarding flood insurance on their website, which also directs interested homeowners to the Flood Smart portal at www.floodsmart.gov

Lastly, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by FIMA and is delivered to the public by a network of approximately 60 insurance companies and the NFIP Direct.

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