As a resident of Texas, you aren’t required to purchase flood insurance. However, if you live in a flood zone, it may be a wise investment. It should be noted that if your property is in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage company may require you to purchase flood insurance as a term in your mortgage. Another reason to consider Flood insurance rests on the fact that flood damage isn’t covered by homeowners or renters insurance policies. Most of us couldn’t afford to replace items that were destroyed or lost in a flood. This is why flood insurance is beneficial for recouping and repairing items that were lost or destroyed in a flood. Although it can cover many things, it’s important to have a fundamental understanding of what’s not covered. Our team at the Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX is committed to helping people understand flood insurance. This includes understanding what’s not covered as well.
What Is a Flood?
A flood is defined as excess or an overabundance of water on land that is usually dry. It also applies when the land is two or more acres and affects two or more properties.
What’s NOT Covered…
Your National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy covers your physical losses, damage, and the loss of a structure, and your physical belongings within that structure. Although this coverage applies to many things, it doesn’t cover any property or belongings outside of an insured building. This can include trees and plants, as well as septic systems and wells. Walks, decks, and patios aren’t covered, just as fences, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools aren’t covered. Keep in mind that flood coverage can be contextual as well. In other words, the cause of the flood is also a consideration. This means that if a flood occurs due to a human error, it won’t be covered. If you leave the water running in your bathtub and your home floods, it won’t be covered. Conversely, if your sewer backs up and floods due to direct flooding, your insurance will cover the damage.
Texas Residents Should Note…
Disclosure is required by law. Texas residents are required to reveal information about a home or business that has flooded. This is required by law. Sellers must reveal this information to potential buyers. If you have specific questions about what’s covered or not covered by flood insurance. Give us a call. We’re here to answer all of your questions.