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Is Southeast Texas Set to Have One of the State’s Highest Flood Risk?

Flood risks in Texas are rapidly rising as sea levels climb and the state’s population increases. Climate change results in heavier precipitation along with stronger hurricanes. Hastings Insurance Agency LLC in Tomball, TX serves southeast Texas residents and all of Texas by helping them secure flood insurance.

Our service area serves much of the San Jacinto region, which includes Galveston and Harris County. Southeast Texas which has 2.5 million people situated in a 100 or 500-year floodplain. These statistics indicate that southeast Texas is set to become a leading area for flooding in the state. Let’s explore historical and current statistics for floods and the storms that cause them.

Past Major Storms in Southwest Texas

This region sees a major flood due to acts of god like hurricanes, tropical storms subtropical cyclones, and heavy rains every at least every 2 years. Houston and the surrounding areas have experienced flooding since the 1800s, with the first major storm occurring in Galveston in 1900.

The 16-foot storm surge and 140 mph winds caused 6,000–8,000 fatalities and destroyed countless homes and buildings. The same situation demolished the Port of Houston in 1935. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 was the deadliest Southeast Texas hurricane in over 100 years and caused $125 billion in damages.

Reach Out To Her

At Hastings Insurance Agency LLC, we know your property is important, and protecting it is pivotal. With flooding being a possibility anytime, whether you’re in a flood zone or not, we’ll help you obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or a customized policy. We gladly serve Tomball, TX and surrounding communities. Contact us today for a consultation.

Is Flood Insurance Required in Texas?

Whether you’ve just put a down payment on a home in Texas or you’ve been a proud Lone Star State homeowner for years, it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your property. While you may already have homeowners insurance, the truth is that it may not cover every damaging situation, like flooding. But do you actually need flood insurance?

In order to make the right decision for your home, it’s important to understand what Texas law says about flood insurance as well as other circumstances where it may be required. Serving the Tomball, TX area and beyond, our knowledgeable team at Great Southern Agency is here to help.

Is Flood Insurance Required in Texas?

For general homeowners, flood insurance is not legally required in Texas. But just because the law does not mandate flood coverage, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook just yet! If you have a mortgage, there’s a strong chance you’re required as per the agreement to get flood insurance. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to go over your mortgage documents carefully with an insurance agent or give your lender a call for clarification.

Are Homes in Texas at Risk of Flooding?

Texas is a large state with a diverse landscape, not to mention differing amounts of precipitation. Many homes are in regions not considered at high risk of flooding, but many others are. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), about 7 percent of homes in Texas are at high risk. 

For better clarification, it’s worth finding out what kind of flood zone your property sits in. For example, if you’re in a Special Flood Hazard Risk area, your home is considered to have a 25 percent (1 in 4) chance of flooding within 30 years.

Learn More About Your Flood Insurance Options Today

Even if your home is not in a high-risk zone, it’s important to be aware that your home may still have a chance of flooding. To learn more about your risk and your options for coverage, give us a call. At Great Southern Agency, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners across the Tomball, TX area get the right amount of protection for their homes.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Total Home Replacement?

You must have flood insurance if your home is in a flood zone. But what does that mean? And what does it cover? Most people think flood insurance is something that covers the damage caused by water. And while that’s true, it’s not the entire story. Flood insurance also covers the cost of rebuilding your home if it’s destroyed. Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX offers this guide in navigating this important insurance coverage. 

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

The first question you need to ask is whether you’re required to have flood insurance. There are a few ways to find out. First, check your mortgage documents. If your lender says you need flood insurance, then you do. It’s that simple.

Second, check your local flood maps. If you live in a high-risk area, you probably need flood insurance. FEMA designates these areas as having a 1% or greater chance of flooding any year.

Your Great Southern Agency representative can help determine if you need flood insurance and how much coverage is right for you.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Most people think flood insurance is something that covers the damage caused by water. And while that’s true, it’s not the entire story. Flood insurance also covers the cost of rebuilding your home if it’s destroyed.

Flood insurance covers buildings and personal belongings. This coverage includes the structure of your home, including the foundation. Personal items can include items like furniture, clothing, and appliances.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

The cost of flood insurance depends on several factors, including the value of your home, location, and the amount of coverage you need.

Give Us A Call

The best way to get an accurate price for flood insurance in Tomball, TX is to speak with a Great Southern Agency representative. We’ll work with you to determine the right amount of coverage for your needs and get you the best possible price.

3 Reasons Why You Need Flood Insurance

Water damage is nothing to mess with. Flooding is devastating and often hits with very little to no warning. Even those who are not living in a flood plain need flood insurance.

Why do I need flood insurance, and what does it cover?

If you live near the water, it’s an easy decision to look for good flood insurance. But, what if you are located several miles away from the threat of a hurricane or rising river, like the people of Tomball, TX?

What if I don’t even live in a flood plain. Won’t my home insurance cover flood damage?

Even if you have flood insurance, be sure to understand the terms. Not all water damage is covered. The experts at Great Southern Agency know that the truth is everyone needs flood insurance.

Here are 3 reasons why you need flood insurance.

  1. Protects Property – Your home is probably the most costly investment you have. It only makes sense to make sure it is protected from any damage including flood. Flood insurance will usually cover damage to roofs, walls, floors, and permanent fixtures.
  2. Protects Your Family – Your home should be a place that family members feel safe. If flooding wipes out the house, they will no longer have a home.
  3. Peace of Mind – Some things are more than financial worries. A flood can happen with no warning. Water damage can be devastating destroying everything inside the house. If you are covered with flood insurance, you will never have to worry.

Even if you currently have flood insurance, it may be time to go over your policy to make sure it will cover what you think it covers. Contact Great Southern Agency serving Tomball, TX to get the facts about flood insurance.

What’s NOT covered by my flood insurance?

As a resident of Texas, you aren’t required to purchase flood insurance. However, if you live in a flood zone, it may be a wise investment. It should be noted that if your property is in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage company may require you to purchase flood insurance as a term in your mortgage. Another reason to consider Flood insurance rests on the fact that flood damage isn’t covered by homeowners or renters insurance policies. Most of us couldn’t afford to replace items that were destroyed or lost in a flood. This is why flood insurance is beneficial for recouping and repairing items that were lost or destroyed in a flood. Although it can cover many things, it’s important to have a fundamental understanding of what’s not covered. Our team at the Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX is committed to helping people understand flood insurance. This includes understanding what’s not covered as well. 

What Is a Flood?

A flood is defined as excess or an overabundance of water on land that is usually dry. It also applies when the land is two or more acres and affects two or more properties. 

 What’s NOT Covered…

Your National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy covers your physical losses, damage, and the loss of a structure, and your physical belongings within that structure. Although this coverage applies to many things, it doesn’t cover any property or belongings outside of an insured building. This can include trees and plants, as well as septic systems and wells. Walks, decks, and patios aren’t covered, just as fences, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools aren’t covered. Keep in mind that flood coverage can be contextual as well. In other words, the cause of the flood is also a consideration. This means that if a flood occurs due to a human error, it won’t be covered. If you leave the water running in your bathtub and your home floods, it won’t be covered. Conversely, if your sewer backs up and floods due to direct flooding, your insurance will cover the damage. 

Texas Residents Should Note…

Disclosure is required by law. Texas residents are required to reveal information about a home or business that has flooded. This is required by law. Sellers must reveal this information to potential buyers. If you have specific questions about what’s covered or not covered by flood insurance. Give us a call. We’re here to answer all of your questions.