When a hurricane hits the Texas coast, it usually brings both high winds and flooding. But wind damage and flood damage are covered by different insurance policies. Knowing the difference before a storm helps you make sure you are fully protected.
What windstorm insurance covers
Windstorm insurance covers damage caused by wind and hail. Common examples include:
- Shingles or roofing torn off by high winds
- Windows broken by wind or flying debris
- Trees blown onto your house or garage
- Siding, fences, and other structures damaged by wind
- Rain that enters through an opening created by wind damage, such as a hole in the roof, depending on your policy
On the Texas coast, wind coverage may be part of your homeowners policy or a separate policy from a private carrier or TWIA. Learn more about Texas windstorm insurance.
What flood insurance covers
Flood insurance covers damage from rising water, including:
- Storm surge pushed ashore by a hurricane
- Heavy rain that overwhelms drainage and floods your home
- Overflowing rivers, bayous, and creeks
Flood insurance is always a separate policy. It is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private flood insurers. NFIP policies cover up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents, and they usually have a 30-day waiting period unless purchased in connection with a mortgage.
Where the line falls
The key question is what caused the damage. If wind tore a hole in your roof and rain poured in, that is generally a wind claim. If water rose from the ground up and came through your doors, that is a flood claim. After a hurricane, many homes have both, and you may need to file with more than one insurer.
Why you need both on the coast
Storm surge and flooding cause some of the most expensive damage in Texas hurricanes, and you do not need to live in a high-risk flood zone to flood. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 flooded thousands of homes outside mapped flood zones. Having wind coverage without flood coverage, or flood coverage without wind, can leave a major gap.
A note on TWIA and flood insurance
TWIA requires proof of flood insurance for certain properties in V flood zones that were built, altered, remodeled, or enlarged on or after September 1, 2009. If your home is in a V zone, having flood coverage may be required to keep your TWIA policy.
Make sure there are no gaps
We help Texas coastal homeowners line up homeowners, windstorm, and flood coverage so each policy does its job. See how we approach coastal Texas home and windstorm insurance, or request a windstorm quote.