If you live Brazoria County, Galveston County, Harris County, Fort Bend County or even Montgomery County, flooding is a real concern at least at some point every year.
I know this may be common knowledge, but your regular home insurance does not cover floods.
Currently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides most flood insurance policies. Some insurance companies offer their own flood insurance policy or offer this coverage as an endorsement attached to your residential property policy. Visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider to find a provider.
Do you need flood insurance if you own a house? That depends on whether you live in a high risk flood zone. If you live in a special flood hazard area (high risk), your mortgage company will require this type of coverage for your home and it is typically more expensive than if you live in a low risk flood area.
$$$ Remember this the next time you are buying a new home. You could save yourself a lot of time and/or money by doing some research before driving out to look at a property.
Should you have flood insurance (even if I am not in a high risk flood zone) if you own a house? In my opinion, the answer is yes.
In this post, you will learn:
- If you live in a high risk flood zone.
- Can anyone get flood insurance even in high risk areas
- What is the cost of flood insurance
- How long does it take to get coverage
- What is covered under your flood insurance
- How long does take to get back to pre loss conditions
- If temporary housing is covered under flood insurance
- What to Do If You Had a Flood
Do You Live in a High Risk Flood Zone?
Use the flood mapping tool below to if you live in a high risk flood zone.
Pro tip – in order for the mapped floodplains to work make sure you zoom in until it becomes enabled.
On mobile view sideways (landscape).
Can Anyone Get Flood Insurance?
You can buy federal flood insurance no matter where you live if your community participates in the NFIP.
The NFIP was created in 1968 to provide flood insurance to people who live in areas with the greatest risk of flooding, called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), also known as the 100-year floodplain, or the regulatory floodplain.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?
Average Cost of Flood Insurance
Average Flood Claim Amount
The cost of flood insurance can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including the location of your property, the level of risk, and the coverage you choose. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the average annual premium for a flood insurance policy is around $700. However, this number can range from as low as $150 per year for low-risk areas to as high as $2,000 or more for properties in high-risk flood zones.
One of the primary determinants of flood insurance cost is the flood zone in which your home is located. Homes situated in high-risk areas, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), typically have higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of flooding. Conversely, properties in low-to-moderate risk zones may qualify for more affordable coverage.
The amount of coverage you choose can also impact the cost of your flood insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers two main types of coverage: building property coverage, which protects the structure of your home, and personal property coverage, which protects your belongings. The more coverage you opt for, the higher your premiums will be.
How Long Does it Take to Get Flood Insurance?
It’s important to note that there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a new flood insurance policy takes effect, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and purchase coverage before the threat of a flood arises.
What is Covered Under Your Flood Insurance Policy?
There are two different coverages for flood insurance – building structure (normally covers around up to $250,000) for your home and contents(normally covers around up to $100,000).
Make sure your know…
If your policy covers your content because some policies don’t automatically provide contents coverage. If coverage for personal property is desired, it must be purchased in addition to building coverage. According to FEMA, only one in four homeowners with a standard flood insurance policy is covered for damage to their contents.
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Furnaces and water heaters
- Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances like dishwashers
- Permanently installed carpeting
- Permanently installed cabinets, paneling, and bookcases
- Window blinds
- Foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases.
- Detached garages
- Fuel tanks, well water tanks and pumps, and solar energy equipment
- Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
- Curtains
- Washer and dryer
- Portable and window air conditioners
- Microwave oven
- Carpets not included in building coverage (e.g., carpet installed over wood floors)
- Valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500)
How Long Does it Take to Get Back to Normal?
Depending on how quickly you notify your insurance company to file a flood claim and how quickly you can safety enter your home will determine how quickly you can begin the drying out and removal of any wet building material and content.
It is critical that you do this as quickly as possible because if you wait and mold forms it will NOT be cover under your NFIP policy.
The drying and demolition process takes anywhere from 4 – 7 days.
The rebuilding process can conservatively take anywhere from 2 – 8 weeks or longer depending on your contractor, availability of building material and responsiveness of your insurance adjuster.
Did you know?
During a major flood event, FEMA allows advance payments on flood insurance claims before an adjuster’s visit. Insurance carriers may offer to up $5,000 without an adjuster’s visit, official documentation or FEMA’s authorization. With FEMA’s authorization and proper documentation, your insurer may be able to offer up to $20,000. These payments are deducted from the final claim payment and should be discussed with your insurance company.
Does My Flood Policy help with Temporary Housing?
Temporary housing and additional living expenses incurred while the building is being repaired or is unable to be occupied is NOT covered under a flood insurance policy.
However, if there is a presidential disaster declaration issued, housing may be part of the declaration and also FEMA may have additional resources for temporary housing.
I had a Flood. How do I Start the Recovery Process?
Step 1
When your property floods, report the loss to your flood insurer as soon as possible.
They will assign an insurance adjuster to guide you through the claims process, which includes an in-person or remote (when appropriate) property inspection within a few days. If you need help finding your insurance carrier, contact FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) center at 877-336-2627.
You can also hire a flood damage restoration company like Woodlands Water Restoration before or after you call to make a claim.
Step 2
Document your loss. Return to your home when it’s safe. Take reference photos and/or videos of your flood damaged property and personal items, including floodwater lines (see fig. 1 below) inside and outside of the structure.
Document the make, model and serial number for appliances and electronics to share with your adjuster.
The below image show a flood line of the outside and it will look similar to the one inside.
Step 3
Keep samples of flood-damaged items (carpet or other flooring, curtains, etc.) to show your adjuster.
After you take photos or videos of the flood-damaged items, throw out contents that pose a health threat.
Do all you can to prevent the growth and spread of mold, which is not covered under an NFIP policy. Learn more about mold at epa.gov/mold.
Pro Tip – Don’t wait. Start flood restoration as soon as possible. Call Woodlands Water Restoration at 281.795.5736 as soon as you can to schedule the recovery process. Mold can grow with in 48 hours or sooner especially in our area.
Step 4
Meet with your adjuster. Upon meeting your flood insurance adjuster, ask to see their Flood Control Number (FCN) card. The FCN card will have an active date for the current storm year and a picture I.D. The adjuster will answer your questions and prepare a damage estimate for your review. Be sure to check it carefully to ensure it is accurate and complete.
Protect yourself from scams! An insurance adjuster never requests money, collects your deductible or charges a fee for their services. Learn more about possible fraud in the Recovering Financially After a Flood After a Flood booklet: at agents.floodsmart.gov/financial
Step 5
Receive payment. Your claim payment amount will be based on your policy’s coverage and the supporting documentation you provide to your adjuster. You are responsible for submitting the required documentation and meeting FEMA’s deadlines related to your NFIP claim.
If you have a mortgage, your claim check will be written to you and the mortgage company. If you have questions or additional damage to report, contact your flood insurer’s claims department.
They will connect you with a claims examiner to discuss disputed amounts or coverage issues. To appeal your claim, follow FEMA’s appeals process for NFIP policyholders.
Final Thoughts
Facing a flood can be a daunting experience, but with the right preparation and resources, you can navigate the challenges.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers valuable assistance to those impacted by natural disasters. Flood insurance is also crucial, as it can help cover the costs of repairs and replacement.
Documenting the damage, filing claims promptly, and understanding your policy coverage are key steps. Additionally, FEMA provides emergency housing, financial aid, and guidance on the recovery process. By being proactive and accessing available support, you can overcome the obstacles posed by a flood.
Lastly, call Woodlands Water Restoration for any help in dealing with flood damage and guiding you through the claim process. Call 281-795-5736
Disclaimer
All of this information is based on research from fema.gov and is meant to give you a highlight and compact overview of information as of June 14, 2024. Based on governmental policy this information can change and Woodlands Water Restoration is not responsible for out of date information.
