Texas ranks #3 nationally for flood claims with 850K+ active NFIP policies. Average annual premium: $700. Here's everything you need to know.
$700
Average Annual Premium
#3
National Flood Risk Rank
850K+
Active NFIP Policies
Why Texas Needs Flood Insurance
Texas's primary flood risk comes from Gulf hurricane storm surge plus inland flash flooding. Texas suffered massive flood losses from Hurricane Harvey (2017, $9 billion in NFIP claims) and continues to face severe inland flash flooding. Houston alone has had three 500-year floods in the past 5 years.
Highest-Risk Areas in Texas
Harris (Houston), Galveston, Brazoria, Jefferson, Cameron, Nueces counties along the coast. Bexar (San Antonio), Travis (Austin) for flash flooding. Riverine flooding affects Brazos, Trinity, Sabine river valleys.
Top Flood Insurance Providers in Texas
Neptune Flood — Editor's Choice
Up to $4M building / $500K contents · 2-min quote · A.M. Best A rated
Texas has a strong private flood insurance market. Surplus lines insurers can offer coverage in V-zone properties that NFIP's $250K cap leaves underinsured.
Texas Flood Insurance Law
Texas does not require flood insurance disclosure during home sales (this differs from Florida). Buyers must research flood history independently using FEMA maps and local records.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average annual NFIP flood insurance premium in Texas is $700/year. Coastal V-zone properties can exceed $5,000/year. Private flood insurance often offers competitive or better rates, especially in moderate-risk zones.
Flood insurance is required for federally-backed mortgages in Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A, AE, V, VE). Texas's lenders also frequently require coverage in moderate-risk zones given the state's flood history.
For maximum coverage above NFIP's $250K cap, Neptune Flood and Better Flood Insurance lead the private market in Texas. NFIP remains essential for properties in V-zones where private insurers may decline coverage.