If you live near the south or especially along the coast, you likely face some measure of flood risk. Floods can occur due to heavy rains even outside of coast states, so it is important that you speak with an insurance agent about possibly adding flood insurance to your home insurance policy. 

Texas suffers thousands of dollars in water damage each year, causing homeowners who don’t have flood insurance to pay for repairs out of pocket. 

When Is Flood Insurance Required?  
Flood insurance isn’t legally required in Texas even in high risk areas, but you may be required to carry flood insurance for your home as a condition of purchasing a home as dictated by your lender. This is especially true in high risk flood areas. 

What Does It Mean to Live In A High-Risk Area?  
Any type of residential or commercial structure that’s located within a high-risk area will likely need flood insurance. 

The federal government determines high-risk areas by looking at how likely they are to sustain flooding. High-risk areas are those that have at least a 1 in 4 chance of suffering a flood during the next 30 years. National engineers look at flooding risks on a local level in order to create flood maps that point out these high-risk areas.  

The easiest way to find out if you live in a high risk flood zone is to speak to your insurance agent. They can offer specific policy information if you do live in a high-risk area.  

It is important to note that flood zones are not state-based. They are not even county-based. Instead, these zones are mapped out on a local level. For instance, you might have a high-risk property while your neighbor might not. That’s why it is important for you to have ample coverage.  

Can I Go Without Coverage?  
If you do not have a government-backed loan or if you live in a low-risk area, you might not need to have flood insurance. Still, flooding is always a risk, and most homes can suffer significant damage from a heavy rainstorm. So it’s worthwhile to protect yourself with flood insurance coverage.  

Speak with an insurance agent about adding flood insurance to your home insurance policy, as most basic home insurance policies will not cover damage to your home or personal belongings caused by flood. They can also help you determine whether or not your home lives in a high risk flood area.