Flood Insurance in Houston, Texas

Houston Flood Insurance Cost

The average cost of flood insurance in Texas is around $600 per year for policies purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but rates can vary significantly. Houston is one of the most expensive cities to purchase flood insurance. You may also be able to find lower rates by comparing quotes from private flood insurance companies.

How are flood insurance premiums determined?

The cost of NFIP flood insurance depends mainly on: 

1. the flood zone 
2. the elevation of your home 
3. the amount of coverage selected
4. Your deductible

It’s important to note that private flood insurance policies typically come with similar or lower rates than you’ll get from the NFIP, and you will usually have more options to customize your policy.

Houston Flood Insurance Coverage

Flood insurance from the NFIP has maximum coverage limits of $250,000 for your house’s structure and $100,000 for its contents. You can usually purchase a larger policy through a private flood insurance company. If you’re a renter in Texas, then your landlord would be responsible for the structure, and your policy would be limited to $100,000 of personal property coverage through the NFIP.Even if your flood insurance claim is less than your coverage limits. An NFIP policy in Texas will generally cover the following:

• Standard home systems: This can include systems such as your electrical system, furnace, water heater, plumbing system, and air conditioner.
• Carpeting and installed features: This includes damaged sections of built-in cabinets, bookcases, or paneling.
• Appliances and personal property: Appliances, such as your refrigerator and washing machine, are generally covered unless they’re kept in your basement. The same applies to your personal items, including clothing, electronics, and furniture.
• Foundation and support structures: Staircases are covered so long as they’re built into your house.
• Detached garage: A maximum of 10% of your policy’s dwelling coverage can be applied to a detached garage.

A federal flood insurance policy doesn’t cover everything, so it’s important to know what is NOT covered. Here are some common reasons an NFIP flood insurance policy would not cover:

• The damage can be attributed to earth movement, such as a sinkhole or landslide.
• Damage occurred to the basement or property contained within it.
• In some cases, flooding damage from sewer backup wouldn’t be covered.
• The flood damage was done to your vehicle. You would need comprehensive auto insurance in order to cover this situation.
• If you lost income or temporarily had to relocate due to flood damage, these costs would not be covered.
• Certain detached property features wouldn’t be covered by flood insurance. These include plants, decks, patios, fences, and walkways.