Flooding is one of the most costly natural disasters in the United States, and Texas has experienced more than its share. From hurricanes along the Gulf Coast to flash floods in Central Texas, water can rise quickly and cause damage that surprises even longtime residents. Flood insurance maps are one of the best tools homeowners have to understand risk before it turns into reality. Your insurance representative at Integrity Advisors Agency LLC, serving San Antonio, TX, explains.
What Flood Maps Show
Flood insurance rate maps, created and maintained by FEMA, divide areas into zones based on the likelihood of flooding. A property in a high-risk zone may face a significant chance of flooding during the life of a 30-year mortgage, while homes in moderate or low-risk zones face less, but not zero, risk. These maps don’t predict when a flood will happen, but they provide guidance that insurers and lenders rely on.
Why Maps Matter for Insurance
If your home is in a high-risk zone and you carry a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is mandatory. Even outside those zones, lenders and insurers use the maps to help determine coverage options and pricing. The mistake many Texas homeowners make is assuming that being outside a high-risk zone means they are safe. In reality, floods often hit areas marked as low risk.
Maps Change Over Time
Flood zones are not set in stone. As development spreads and weather patterns shift, FEMA updates its maps. A property once considered safe can be reclassified, raising the need for additional coverage. Keeping up with updates helps homeowners avoid surprises when it comes to both insurance costs and exposure.
Studying flood maps is a start, but pairing that information with the right flood insurance provides true security. For Texas homeowners, reviewing your zone and making sure you’re covered is one of the best ways to stay prepared. Reach out to Integrity Advisors Agency LLC, serving San Antonio, TX, to learn more.
