Hurricane Harvey dumped over 50 inches of rain on Houston in 2017—and most homeowners had no flood coverage. Here's what you need to know.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Floods?
No. Standard homeowners insurance explicitly excludes flood damage. This surprises many Houston homeowners who assume they're covered for 'water damage.'
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
Any Houston homeowner near a bayou, creek, or low-lying area should seriously consider flood insurance—regardless of whether you're in a designated flood zone. Harvey flooded neighborhoods that had never flooded before.
Your Options
- NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program): Federal program with coverage up to $250,000 for structure and $100,000 for contents.
- Private Flood Insurance: Can offer higher limits, broader coverage, and sometimes lower premiums than NFIP.
Cost
Flood insurance in Houston typically ranges from $500–$2,500+ per year depending on your flood zone, elevation, and coverage level. Given what a single flood event can cost, it's one of the most valuable policies a Houston homeowner can have.
Talk to Steve Soyebo today about the right flood coverage for your home and neighborhood.
