The Importance of Having Home Flood Insurance in the State of Texas
Why Every Homeowner in Texas Needs Flood Insurance: A Personal Story
Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters that can happen to a homeowner, causing significant damage to property and financial loss. Unfortunately, flooding is common in Texas due to its geography and weather patterns, making flood insurance a necessity for homeowners.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Texas has had 21 major flood events since 2015, with an estimated $4.3 billion in damages. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding throughout Texas, with more than 154,000 homes damaged or destroyed. Sadly, many homeowners were not insured or underinsured, causing significant financial strain and delaying their recovery efforts.
Even if you are not in a designated flood zone, it is still crucial to consider purchasing flood insurance. As a homeowner in Texas, I understand the importance of having flood insurance, regardless of my property's location. I built my home in 1999, and I have carried flood insurance since then. I saw the devastation my in-laws had from flooding during a slow-moving storm in 1994, which dropped 20-30 inches of rain throughout Montgomery County and the surrounding area, causing flooding that had never been seen before. As a result, my family and I knew that having flood insurance was crucial.
Having flood insurance allowed my family to minimize our financial losses when we flooded during Hurricane Harvey. We did not have to dip into our retirement savings to restore our home, nor did we have to wait for government assistance. In fact, we were able to restore our home and get back into our home within 5 months. To some degree, I had what you may call "Survivors Guilt". Unfortunately, some homeowners are still waiting for help years after their homes were damaged or destroyed by floods.
Flood insurance is not included in most homeowners' insurance policies, but it is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by FEMA. The NFIP provides affordable flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that participate in the program. Flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, so it is important to purchase a policy before flooding occurs. I am able to offer quotes with both private and NFIP plans. Most people believe flood insurance is expensive...for most it can be less than a signature cup of java per week.
Flood insurance coverage varies based on your policy, but it typically covers damages caused by heavy rains, storm surges, and overflowing bodies of water. It can also cover damage caused by mudflows, which are common in Texas. Flood insurance can help you recover from a flood event and avoid financial hardship.
In conclusion, flooding can occur anywhere in Texas, and it is important to consider purchasing flood insurance to protect your property and finances. As a homeowner who has experienced flooding, I highly recommend that you purchase flood insurance, even if you are not in a designated flood zone. Don't wait until it's too late; contact me today to learn more about flood insurance and how to protect your home from flood damage.
Jeanna Bumpas
Helix Insurance Group
JBumpas@HelixInsuranceGroup.com
www.JeannaBumpas.Biz
Resources:
- FEMA Flood Insurance: https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program
- Texas Floodplain Management Association: https://www.texasfloods.org/
- Ready.gov Floods: https://www.ready.gov/floods
