Flood Damage Protection in Houston

Review Your Homeowners Policy

Standard homeowners insurance policies in Houston explicitly exclude flood damage, making it essential to check your policy documents for coverage confirmation. Look for specific language regarding "flood" or "rising water" in your policy's exclusions section—these terms indicate that flood damage requires separate protection. The declarations page will not list flood coverage if you only have standard homeowners insurance. If you're uncertain about your policy language, contact your insurance agent or company directly to confirm whether flood damage receives any coverage under your current homeowners policy. Most Houston homeowners discover they lack flood protection when reviewing their policies, as flood insurance requires separate purchases through specialized programs rather than inclusion in standard property coverage.

Check for Separate Flood Insurance

Flood protection in Houston comes through dedicated flood insurance policies purchased separately from homeowners coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides most Houston flood coverage, with policies typically issued through the same agents who handle homeowners insurance. Check your insurance files for separate flood insurance policy documents, declaration pages, or premium payment records distinct from your homeowner's policy. Private flood insurance companies like Neptune Flood, Palomar, or Wright Flood also serve Houston residents, potentially offering coverage outside the NFIP system. If you have a mortgage, your lender may have required flood insurance during the loan process, with documentation in your mortgage files indicating coverage status and policy details.

Verify with Your Insurance Agent

Contact your insurance agent or company directly to confirm your flood coverage status, as this provides the most definitive answer about your protection level. Agents can quickly access your complete policy portfolio and verify whether you maintain separate flood insurance alongside your homeowner's coverage. Ask specifically about both NFIP and private market flood coverage, as some agents may represent multiple flood insurance options. Request copies of any flood insurance policy documents if coverage exists, ensuring you understand protection limits, deductibles, and effective dates. This direct verification eliminates uncertainty about your coverage status and provides an opportunity to discuss additional protection if needed.

Houston-Specific Considerations

Houston's flood risk makes verification particularly critical given the area's history of significant flooding events. Hurricane Harvey demonstrated that flood damage occurs well beyond designated high-risk flood zones, affecting neighborhoods previously considered low-risk. Many Houston properties experienced flooding during the 2015 Memorial Day floods, 2016 Tax Day floods, and other recent events despite being outside mapped flood zones. The Harris County Flood Education Mapping Tool provides detailed flood risk information specific to Houston addresses, helping residents understand their exposure beyond federal flood maps. Given Houston's expanded flood risks, even properties outside high-risk zones should consider flood insurance, making coverage verification and potential purchase discussions with insurance professionals particularly valuable for Houston residents.