Do I Need Flood Insurance in Houston Tx?

The short answer to this one is 'Sure, Why Not?' Let's talk about 'Rising Water' vs. 'Flooding'

Houston, Tx is Nicknamed the Bayou City because we have water, creeks, bayous everywhere! However, we also have phenomenal Flood Control. Even outside the City Limits the County has a Flood Control Department that handles keeping the lines of drainage open.

But then you take a look at your Homeowner's Insurance policy to see exactly what is covered. All of them say that water damage is covered except for 'Rising Water'. Those two words can be very vague but essentially any flooding is caused by water rising whether it be an all out flood from a creek, river, etc. rising out of its banks or just a clogged up street drain causing the water to 'rise' in to your front yard.

When the water seeps in from the ground and through doors, it is 'Rising Water'. This rising water coverage (ie. Flood insurance) is a separate policy paid yearly.

Now, if you have a mortgage on your home and the area you live in is Prone to Flooding from a Water Source, you will be required to have flood insurance. The cost can be quite high and is based upon the FEMA Flood Plain Maps. Here is a link to Flood Insurance Rates and Information in Harris County.

But if you are in an area that is NOT required to have flood insurance you can still get the insurance. Do you need it? Why not? The rates are incredibly low when not required and on average less than $300 per year. Here are some reasons why your home may have 'Rising Water' even if you are not in an area prone to flooding.

You have a french drain in your yard that gets clogged with debris making the water creep up to your back door and in to your home.
The street drains on the street get clogged up from people dumping lawn clippings or from storm debris gathering.
During a heavy storm you have an extensive amount of tree debris that prevents your yard from naturally draining.

These are just a few of the things that could cause you to 'flood water' in any home in the Coastal Areas. Unfortunately without Flood Insurance it may be difficult to get your insurance company to cover the loss in all of those situations.

For such a small amount of money every year, it could save you thousands if you ever need it. It's also a reminder to keep the street drains clear of debris, and to maintain your yard drains if you have any. Oh, don't forget about those gutters. Keep those clear also.

Here are a few pictures of clogged drains that can pose serious drainage issues...

Poor drainage

Posted Monday Sep 22

( 09/22/08 03:36PM ) — Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka County Acreage & Lakeshore Homes

Stephanie--This is very important information because the drain issue you pictured happens in cities across the US and often miles from rivers, lakes, streams and oceans. Our first home in North St. Paul had a problem drain in the street in front of our house. In heavy rains, especially in the fall when fallen leaves were a problem, my husband would have to clear off the sticks and debris every storm or the rain waters would come up to and into the basement of our house. A very common situation and damage was not covered by regular homeowner's insurance.

( 09/22/08 05:30PM ) — Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® Spring/Woodlands, TX Real Estate

Hi Teri,

It is unbelievably important. Many people don't realize that simple yard drainage can be considered flooding. I pay something like $250/yr for the coverage. Better safe than sorry. Sorry to hear about your flooding experience...

( 09/22/08 07:54PM ) — Dan Cummings - Connecticut's Running Realtor

Stephanie... Hope your experience is better than mine if you ever need to use the Flood Insurance. We are required to carry coverage with premiums that started out years ago at $350 which was considerably less than our full homeowners policy and has steadily risen so today my Flood Insurance cost well over $1000 and is more expensive than my normal homeowners that covers much more risk. We never flooded so I built a nice home office in the walk out basement. A year later we had a "500 year" flood that left 2 feet of water throughout the basement and ruined two tower computers plus the carpet, walls, furniture and many office files. Flood insurance does not pay for contents of the basement so our payment for losses only covered the walls and insulation so it didn't even amount to 1 year of flood insurance premiums.