Understanding the New Texas Flood Plan and the Importance of Flood Insurance

Texas has officially introduced its new Texas Flood Plan, creating new flood zones that can significantly impact residents. One crucial takeaway is the necessity of flood insurance, as standard homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Read below to learn about the new flood zones in Texas and the details of flood protection coverage. Ensure you are adequately covered; don’t wait until it’s too late.

Sarah Kirkle, the director of policy and legislative affairs at the Texas Water Conservation Association, highlighted the plan as a milestone for Texas. This plan will improve the topographical factors essential for flood preparedness and provide an updated map to inform Texans about their surroundings.

According to the draft plan, more than 2.4 million people live or work in areas vulnerable to a 100-year flood, with an additional 2.8 million in a 500-year floodplain. About one-fourth of the land in Texas is within these floodplains, and all 254 counties have experienced federally declared flood disasters since 1953. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) aims to finalize the plan by summer and present it to the Legislature by September 1st, 2024, highlighting its importance in shaping the Texas flood strategy.

What Does the New Texas Flood Plan Mean for Your Flood Insurance Coverage

Most people do not realize they are in a flood zone; however, staying informed is essential to recognize the potential threat of flooding around you.

We recommend discussing flood insurance with your agent to protect your home in case of flooding. Flood insurance covers direct physical losses to your structure and belongings caused by flooding. Flooding is defined as an excess of water on normally dry land, affecting two or more acres or two or more properties. Because many homeowner’s insurance plans do not cover flood damage, you may need a separate flood policy to ensure your property is protected.

When purchasing flood insurance, you can consider two types of coverage: building coverage and contents coverage.

What Does a Flood Insurance Plan Cover?

Building coverage protects:

• 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

Contents coverage protects:

• 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)

What isn’t covered by flood insurance?

• Temporary housing and additional living expenses incurred while the building is being repaired or is unable to be occupied
• Property outside of an insured building. For example, landscaping, wells, septic systems, decks and patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools
• Financial losses caused by business interruption
• Currency, precious metals, stock certificates, and other valuable papers
• Cars and most self-propelled vehicles, including their parts
• Personal property kept in basements

Call Us For a Free Quote

Flood insurance can be complex, but it is essential for protecting your home and valuables. Don’t find yourself bearing the burden of flood damage. Get a Free Quote or all us with questions and let us help guide you to a floodproof future.

You can email us at admin@towerstreetinsurance.com or call us at 469-788-8888.

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