Recent floods in the city of Houston, TX, and nearby areas have local residents rethinking the importance of protecting their homes and assets from the devastating financial effects of severe flooding. 

The flood insurance professionals at Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX can help you understand the benefits of having flood insurance!

Knowledgeable agents can explain how an adequate flood insurance policy can help safeguard your property and personal belongings from financial loss. 

Wading Through Coverage Options for Texas Flood Insurance

Understanding the risk is the most crucial component of choosing a flood insurance policy in Houston. Houston’s unique geographical location makes it highly susceptible to unpredictable weather patterns that can lead to severe storms and floods originating in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Some areas of Houston are highly flood-prone. Some areas of the city may legally require residents to have adequate flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Living in a potential flood zone means having comprehensive flood insurance is one of the best ways to protect your home and family from damage when the next flooding event occurs. 

Flood Insurance is a Legal Requirement in Flood-Prone Areas

Talk to flood insurance professionals to learn more about whether your home or properties are in the NFIP or FEMA flood zone and get options for comprehensive coverage to safeguard your assets.

Trusted insurance agents can guide you through choosing the best flood insurance policy to protect your family from devastating losses. Please don’t wait until the floodgates open, and it is too late to secure your home, automobiles, and your most prized possessions.

Contact a licensed insurance agent at Insurance Over Texas for a free flood insurance quote today! 
 

For those living in the Houston, TX area, owning real estate has continued to be a good idea. Like anywhere else, getting the right insurance is very important when you own a property. One type of insurance to obtain is flood insurance. There are various situations when someone is going to need a flood insurance plan here. 

Those with a Mortgage Need Insurance

Taking out a mortgage is a good idea and a necessity in many situations. When you are looking to purchase a home, it is essential that you follow all requirements in the loan agreement. This will often include a provision requiring you to get insurance. If you are in a flood zone, the lender will undoubtedly require you to have flood insurance. This process will also require you to escrow your payments each month, ensuring coverage does not lapse. 

Those Looking for Financial Protection

Getting a flood insurance plan to obtain financial protection is also a good idea. If you own a home, you will want to know that you have support and are prepared for the unexpected. As flood damage can be significant, having insurance to offset this concern is always a good idea. Flood insurance will offer the coverage you need to protect your assets and finances. 

For those in the Houston, TX area, getting a flood insurance plan is always a good idea as it offers many forms of protection. If you would like to protect your home with flood coverage, starting your search with Insurance Over Texas is a good idea. Our professionals with Insurance Over Texas can offer any guidance you need to build a new plan to protect your home and ensure you remain in good standing. 

If you have ever experienced flooding, you know how devastating it can be, especially if you live in Houston, TX. Over the years, Houston has seen a steep increase in flooding, making the city the unofficial Rainfall Flooding Capital of the United States. Relentless torrential rain can make its way into the forecast anytime, particularly during hurricane season. In a matter of minutes, your property can end up completely underwater. This can cause significant damage to everything on your property, destroying everything in its path. But before this happens, you need to make sure that you know what items could be covered and replaced by insurance in this scenario.

Did you know that your flood insurance may not cover your outdoor possessions? Many policies do not protect outdoor items such as patio furniture and any destruction to swimming pools. Trees, bushes, plants, and other foliage are also not covered. Walkways, fences, and patios are also typically not included in the policy. That means you have no choice but to pay out-of-pocket for any damages. This does not mean that flood insurance is not imperative, however. You will need to reach out to a professional for more information.

If you are currently living in or near the unofficial Rainfall Capital of the US, you need to insure your property and protect it as much as possible. Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX will help you purchase your new flood insurance policy without confusion or inadequate coverage. Call Insurance Over Texas today or stop by the office if you are nearby. Obtaining flood insurance is not something that should be delayed. Make sure you are prepared before the storm begins.

Insurance Over Texas is here for the greater Houston, TX area residents. If you wonder if flood insurance is right and necessary for you, we can help answer your questions. There are several ways that flood protection can benefit homeowners in our area. Give us a call or stop by to find out more!

Importance of flood insurance

There are many different reasons to carry flood insurance, even if it isn’t required of you. Insurance companies treat water damage in several different ways, depending on how the damage was caused.

For instance, if you have a pipe burst or a similar plumbing problem that creates damage in your home, your homeowner’s policy will likely cover it. However, if you experience water damage caused by a flood, it is unlikely that such damage would be covered under your home insurance policy.

Because of this, it is vital to give flood insurance a closer look. Flood damage can be substantial and very cumbersome, and expensive to repair. If you want to make sure that you are protected in the event of a flood, you will need a separate policy for that purpose.

Of course, not every area needs flood insurance, so it may not be appropriate for your home and your needs. Find out today if flood insurance is something that can benefit you.

Find out if flood insurance is right for you.

Houston, TX area homeowners can rely on Insurance Over Texas. If you want to ensure that your home has all of the protection it needs, we are here to help! Give us a call today or come by our office to learn more about the many benefits of flood insurance.

What is flood insurance? Flood insurance is what it sounds like: An insurance plan to cover you when floods strike. You may be aware of flood insurance, but do you understand the areas covered by flood insurance? If not, Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX shares the areas that flood insurance covers you.

Building protection

Perhaps, this is the most common reason why most people purchase flood insurance. Whether flood insurance is from National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers, it protects your building when floods strike. Typical flood insurance covers your dwelling in the following areas:

• Your home foundation
• Electrical and plumbing system
• Permanently installed carpets
• Window blinds
• Detached garages
• Walls
• Permanently installed cabinets and bookcases

Since putting up your home has called for heavy investment, don’t let what you have worked so hard be brought down by floods. Instead, purchase flood insurance.

Assets protection

When you purchase flood insurance, there is an option to include contents coverage, which covers the below:

• Washers and dryers
• Personal items like clothing, furniture, and electronics
• Portable microwaves
• Carpets that aren’t permanently installed

When purchasing flood insurance, please pay attention to what it covers and excludes. For instance, typical flood insurance covers high-value items to a certain amount. Generally, standard flood insurance covers art and fur for a maximum of $2,500. However, you can increase this limit by purchasing a “rider.”

Compliance

No Texas law requires you to purchase flood insurance, but you may need this coverage if a federal-regulated lender finances your home. That said, your mortgage lender may insist you purchase flood insurance if you live in a flood-risk area.

Buy flood insurance in Houston, TX today!

When floods strike, most homeowners are shocked when they discover that their typical home insurance doesn’t cover them from flood damage.  Luckily, you don’t have to wait for floods to occur to find out that your home insurance is insufficient. Instead, contact Insurance Over Texas for an affordable flood insurance policy.

At Insurance Over Texas, we know many of our clients don’t get flood insurance because they do not live in a flood zone. Unfortunately, Houston, TX, has many areas that may suffer from floods without expectation, even outside of a flood zone. You need to fully understand this problem to protect yourself against any problematic issues you may end up experiencing.

Flood Zones are Not Always a Great Show of Flood Risk

Flood zones are a good way of gauging your risk of this natural disaster but should not be considered a complete guide for your danger. For instance, there are many places where floods may happen outside of these areas, including:

• Near a River – You may not technically be in a flood zone, but you may be downriver in a way that a problematic flood could end up rising and coming to impact you.
• Close to a Dam – If you live downriver of a dam, you are not technically in a flood zone but are still at the risk of a flood if the dam ever ends up breaking in any way.
• By Artificial Lakes – Those people who live near any Houston lakes – particularly artificial ones – may not be in a flood zone but may still want to get insurance for this natural disaster anyway.

So if you are worried about flood insurance in Houston, TX, despite not living in a flood zone, it is a good idea to reach out to us at Insurance Over Texas. Our professionals will take the time to understand your needs better and create a policy that works for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible if you aren’t sure whether or not a flood policy is suitable for your needs.

Having flood insurance is important, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. And even if you do not, it is still worth having as additional protection of your home and personal belongings. However, according to official statistics, only 18% of American homeowners have flood insurance. If you are thinking of buying flood insurance for your property but you do not know how much coverage you actually need, Insurance Over Texas serving clients in Houston, TX and other surrounding areas has prepared a brief guide for you:

How Much Flood Insurance Do I Actually Need?

If your home is located in a flood-prone area, you should consider getting more than the required amount. Your flood insurance coverage should be equal to the value of your home and personal belongings. It includes not only the house itself but also everything that is inside your home, including appliances, furniture, clothing, and other belongings. There are some items though that may be exempt from coverage, such as golf carts, outdoor furniture, and some others. 

When shopping for flood insurance, you should remember that there are policies with individual limits on personal belongings within a specific category. Instead of focusing on the cost of insurance, you should think about how much you will need to protect your personal items by categorizing them. For example, if you have a jewelry collection that costs $10,000, your flood insurance policy may not be enough to carry the loss. 

Flood insurance is not mandatory but it is good to have it, especially if you live in a flood-prone area like Houston, TX. Flood insurance will protect your home and all the belongings you have inside. If you have bought a house and you are currently looking for a trustworthy insurance company to purchase a flood insurance policy, Insurance Over Texas will be glad to assist you. All you need to do is to visit our website or give us a call to talk to one of our insurance agents. 

Your home in Houston, TX is subject to natural disasters. The state of Texas holds six out of twelve world records when it comes to rainfall rates. It is only a matter of time until your home experiences flooding that leads to damage. The agents at Insurance Over Texas can thoroughly explain how flood insurance works in the Lone Star State. Use this guide to determine how much insurance you may need.

Is flood insurance required?

The city of Houston participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides an affordable option for homeowners in need of coverage. Those living in high-risk flood zones are required to purchase flood insurance under the NFIP if they have mortgages owned by the federal government. Those living outside of high-risk zones should also consider buying a plan.

How much flood insurance can you get? 

The NFIP offers a maximum of $250,000 worth of home insurance coverage to buyers. There are other ways to insure your home if its value exceeds such a limit. The amount of flood insurance you may need, though, depends on several factors.

How much flood insurance do you need in Houston, TX?

The value of your home is the first factor that you should consider when determining how much flood insurance to buy. You should also consider your personal possessions. Those with valuable items should consider more insurance coverage as it may be difficult to replace items lost in the flood with $250,000.

The average homeowner pays about $700 annually for anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000 worth of flood insurance. Your rates will depend on many factors, which are not limited to the location of your home as well as the probability of flooding. Call an agent at Insurance Over Texas today to get started with your customized flood insurance plan.

One of the most common, as well as costliest weather-related disasters, is flooding. Unfortunately, other than elevation, there is little to no margin of safety. Once the water reaches ground level and rises to an inch above, there is a risk of significant damage, so the best way to avoid flooding is to stay above water. It’s essential to be aware of the flood level and how high the floodwaters can rise for your home in Houston, TX. Even homes located on a hill need floodproofing, so here are a few tips provided by Insurance Over Texas to help you protect your home from flood damage.

Protect Electrical Outlets

All wiring, sockets, switches, and circuit breakers should be at the minimum, at least 12-inches above the expected level in the area. Take the time to modify the water heater, furnace, and other types of indoor and secure equipment to ensure that it is sitting above the flood level

Modify the Water Valves

A flooded system can lead to extensive back up in the house, so it’s recommended that you install a backflow valve. A gate valve is recommended because the seal is stronger than those on check or flap valves. These types of valves open automatically for the water to flow out, and then the gate closes if water tries to get in. For optimum results, you should install valves on all pipes that enter your house.

Understanding water flows around your property will allow you to adjust the sloping or grading to force the water away from your house. To determine how the water flows around the house, monitor how the water accumulates or flows during a typical rainstorm. If the area or street your house is on tends to have standing water, consider talking to your local county environmental services for suggestions on altering the water flow around your home.

Residents of Houston, TX interested in learning more about flood insurance or reviewing your current policy, contact Insurance Over Texas.

Insurance Over Texas, in Houston, TX  offers flood insurance policies, which supplements Federal flood insurance. Homeowners and renters insurance does not cover floods.   Homeowners Insurance generally covers an accidental discharge which is water damage from extinguishing a fire, unintentional damage to a heating or AC system, frozen pipes, fire protection sprinkler system going off and a leaking roof.

The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 created the National Flood Insurance Program NFIP whose goal is to alleviate the economic losses of a flood through the creation of community building standards.   Community participation in the NFIP was not mandatory, but cooperation allowed the community to purchase flood insurance to pay towards flood economic losses to manage floodplains using insurance to manage a Special Flood Hazard. Congress in 1979, created the Federal  Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  FEMA has ten regions which employ more than 14,000 employees.  FEMA’s goal is to protect Americans to survive and recover from a national disaster which is either natural, man-made, or acts of terror.  FEMA is well-known to come in action to help people overcome the effects of flooding.  

A flash flood is in low-lying areas as a result of rapid flooding that occurs within six hours between the cessation of rainfall and the onset of the flooding.   Many times the onset of as flash flood is in normally dry areas.  The flash flooding can be associated with harsh thunderstorms or tropical storms, hurricanes, water flow related to melting ice and collapsing of dams.   Texas is predisposed to floods, principally in two significant parts of the state: the coast and a broad area of Texas named Flash Flood Alley that stretches through Central and North Texas and would receive FEMA attention as a Special Flood Hazard.

The agents of insurance Over Texas in Houston,TX can both instruct its clients on how to make a flood claim with FEMA and to offer private flood insurance if FEMA’s limits are surpassed.  Please call!