INSURANCE · TEXAS
Flood Insurance (NFIP and private)
Most home policies do not cover flood, and new NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start. Get covered before the storm, not during it.
What it covers
NFIP building coverage
Up to $250,000 for your home’s structure, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, appliances and foundation (FEMA).
NFIP contents coverage
Up to $100,000 for your belongings. It is bought separately and has its own deductible. Renters can buy contents-only.
Increased cost of compliance
Up to $30,000 to bring a flood-damaged home up to local building rules (Texas OPIC).
Private flood
Some private carriers offer flood policies, sometimes with higher limits or extras such as living expenses. Terms vary by company.
Who needs it in Texas
- If your home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a mortgage, your lender requires flood insurance (TDI).
- Floods happen outside flood zones too: more than half of homes flooded by Hurricane Harvey were outside designated flood zones (TDI).
- Texas is especially flood-prone along the coast and in Flash Flood Alley through Central and North Texas (TDI).
- Waiting period: new NFIP policies generally start after 30 days. Exceptions include coverage bought with a home loan closing, and a 1-day wait for homes newly mapped into a high-risk zone (FEMA).
- Check your zone on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. In Harris County, you can also use the Harris County Flood Control District’s tools.
Common questions
Does my homeowners policy cover flooding?
Most do not. You usually need a separate flood policy (TDI).
How long before a flood policy starts?
NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period. If you buy flood insurance as part of a home loan closing, there may be no wait (FEMA).
Do I need flood insurance if I am not in a flood zone?
It is not required, but floods happen outside mapped zones. More than half of homes flooded by Harvey were outside them (TDI).
What does NFIP not cover?
Things outside the building like fences, decks, pools and landscaping, cars, cash and valuable papers, most basement contents, and temporary living expenses (FEMA).
Do NFIP prices vary by company?
No. NFIP rates are set by FEMA and do not change by insurance provider (FloodSmart). Private flood pricing varies by carrier.
Can renters buy flood insurance?
Yes. Renters can buy NFIP contents coverage up to $100,000.
How AVYRO helps
- Tell us what you need to cover, by phone or online.
- We compare options from our appointed carriers.
- You pick the coverage, and we handle the paperwork.
Carriers we work with
Availability depends on the carrier, your location and underwriting. We will tell you which carriers can quote you.
Sources: FloodSmart: Buy a policy · FEMA: Waiting period FAQ · FEMA Flood Map Service Center · TDI: Flood insurance · TDI: Home insurance guide · Texas OPIC: Flood basics · Harris County Flood Control District
AVYRO Insurance & Tax is a licensed Texas insurance agency (TX Lic #3366212), not an insurance company. Coverage, rates and eligibility are set by the issuing carrier and are subject to underwriting. Quotes are estimates until a policy is issued. Not all carriers or products are available in all areas. This page is general information and does not change any policy terms; your policy controls. Rules can change, so check the sources above. Not legal advice. We never ask for your Social Security or driver’s license number through this site.
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