We live in a unique area. The Texas Gulf Coast and the Bay Area used to be underwater. That’s right, this flat coastal plain at one point was part of the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal residents have a unique risk of flooding and rising water which is not always a threat to other Texans.
Our FEMA managed National Flood Insurance Program is just as necessary today as it was 40 years ago. There is not a private market that would be willing to provide this coverage. Why you ask? Well, simply put – people that are the most at risk to flood are the only consumers who purchase flood insurance. What that means to us in the Texas Gulf Coast is that there is no large group paying for the losses of a few.
There is nothing stopping private insurance companies from offering flood insurance outside the National Flood Insurance Program, but they have chosen not to. Lawmakers have subsidized high risk property owners for years through the FEMA program, so to actually charge what it would cost to pay claims from massive flooding would be unaffordable. I can understand why people in the mountains of Colorado would not want their government dollars paying for flood insurance subsidy’s to the wealthy beach house owner.
The simple truth is that it’s not the wealthy who need this coverage, it’s refinery and ship channel workers; it’s nurses and teachers and firefighters and it’s the hard working people who live and support their families on the Texas Gulf Coast. Even if you are not in what’s considered the High Risk Area, risk of rising water or tidal surge could still completely destroy your home.
The agents at Paula Smith Insurance are familiar with coverage through our Government Agency, the National Flood Insurance Program and available to be a resource while you are researching your insurance options. While you are here, feel free to check out our blogs, complete our free quote form and check out what other types of insurance we could help you out with – like homeowners, auto, motorcycle, recreational vehicle and the like. Call us today at (281) 488-8880 or email us at paula@leaguecityinsuranceagent.com for a free quote or to ask any questions.