Hurricane & Flood Insurance for Texas Homeowners
What's actually covered, what isn't, and how to get ready before hurricane season — not during it.
Hurricane season in Texas officially runs June 1 through November 30, but flooding isn't limited to named storms — heavy rain alone has flooded homes far from the coast and outside mapped flood zones. Here's what your insurance actually covers, and how to prepare.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Texas?
No — standard homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude flood damage, whether it comes from storm surge, an overflowing bayou or creek, or heavy rainfall pooling around your home. Flood coverage has to be purchased separately.
This surprises a lot of Texas homeowners, especially after storms like Hurricane Harvey showed that flooding isn't limited to properties in official high-risk flood zones.
How do I get flood insurance in Texas?
Most Texas homeowners get flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program administered through participating insurance agents, or through a private flood insurance policy. Coverage typically has a waiting period before it takes effect, so it isn't something to shop for once a storm is already forecast.
If your home is in a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a mortgage, your lender likely already requires flood insurance — but plenty of flood damage happens to homes outside those mapped zones too.
What should I check on my policy before hurricane season?
Confirm your dwelling coverage limit reflects current rebuild cost, not just market value — rebuilding costs have risen faster than home prices in a lot of Texas markets.
Check whether your policy has a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible, which in coastal and near-coastal areas is often a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat amount.
Confirm whether you need flood coverage in addition to your homeowners policy, and get it in place well before storm season — not after a forecast.
Hurricane-season prep checklist
Photograph or video your home and belongings for a record you can use if you ever need to file a claim.
Keep a digital copy of your policy documents and agency contact information somewhere you can access without power or internet.
Know your evacuation zone and route in advance — don't wait for a storm to be in the Gulf to figure it out.
Review coverage limits and deductibles annually, not just when you first buy the policy.
FAQ
Is flood insurance included in a standard Texas homeowners policy?
No. Flood damage is specifically excluded from standard homeowners and renters policies and has to be purchased separately, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer.
Can my home flood even if it's not in a mapped flood zone?
Yes. A large share of flood claims after major Texas storms, including Hurricane Harvey, came from homes outside FEMA's mapped high-risk flood zones. Flood zone maps indicate risk level, not a guarantee of safety.
When should I buy flood insurance before hurricane season?
As early as possible — flood policies typically have a waiting period before coverage takes effect, so buying one once a storm is already approaching usually won't help for that storm.