Home Insurance for a Home with Flood History in Texas
Yes, you can get home insurance on a property that has previously flooded in Texas, but there are important factors to consider. While a flood history does not automatically disqualify a home from insurance coverage, it can impact the types of policies available, the cost of premiums, and the willingness of certain insurers to offer full protection.
Homeowners Insurance vs. Flood Insurance
It's important to understand the difference between homeowners insurance and flood insurance. A standard homeowners insurance policy in Texas does not cover damage from flooding due to rising water, storm surge, or overflowing rivers and bayous. That type of damage is covered only through flood insurance, which must be purchased separately—either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.
If a home has a history of flood damage, homeowners insurance is still generally available as long as the structure is insurable against other perils like fire, wind, hail, or theft. However, if the property has also suffered from mold, structural damage, or ongoing moisture problems, some insurers may require inspections or charge higher premiums.
Flood Insurance Availability After Prior Flooding
The NFIP guarantees the availability of flood insurance to homes in participating communities—even those that have flooded multiple times. Texas has many high-risk areas, especially in cities like Houston, Galveston, and Austin, where repeat flooding is common. If a property has been designated as a Repetitive Loss Property or Severe Repetitive Loss Property, flood insurance is still available, though premiums may be higher, and certain mitigation requirements may apply.
Some private flood insurers may decline to offer coverage on high-risk homes, but others may offer more flexible coverage options or competitive rates—particularly if the homeowner has completed mitigation work, such as elevating the property or installing flood vents.
Risk Rating 2.0 and Premium Costs
Under FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0, flood insurance rates are now determined by a home's individual flood risk rather than its broader flood zone. This means a previously flooded home may still qualify for reasonably priced coverage if the risk has been reduced through improvements or favorable elevation.
Conclusion
While previous flooding can impact your insurance options in Texas, you can still obtain both homeowners and flood insurance coverage. Understanding your property's risk profile, investing in mitigation, and comparing policy options are key to finding the best protection at a fair price.