When Floodwaters Rise, Will Your Home Insurance Keep You Covered?
Homeowners across Bryan, College Station, Aggieland, and the entire Brazos Valley understand the risks that severe weather can bring. From torrential rains to hurricanes and flash floods, our region isn’t immune to water damage. Yet many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.
So, what’s the difference between homeowners insurance and flood insurance—and why does it matter so much? Let’s clear up the confusion and help you protect your biggest investment: your home.
Why Homeowner’s Insurance Falls Short for Flooding
Your homeowner’s insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental losses inside your home, like a burst pipe or damage from windstorms. It doesn’t cover flood damage caused by rising waters entering your home from outside.
Consider these examples:
- A sudden thunderstorm causes a nearby creek to overflow, sending several inches of water into your living room.
- Heavy rains overwhelm drainage systems in Bryan, flooding streets and seeping into your garage.
- A hurricane brings storm surge flooding into homes along the Brazos Valley.
In every one of these cases, homeowners insurance alone won’t pay for repairs. Flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy.
What Flood Insurance Covers
Flood insurance is designed specifically for losses resulting from rising water or mudflow. Through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers, flood policies can help pay for:
✅ Structural repairs to your home’s foundation, walls, and systems (like HVAC and electrical)
✅ Damage to flooring, cabinets, and built-in appliances
✅ Certain personal belongings like furniture and clothing
Without flood insurance, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs. Just one inch of water in a home can cause over $25,000 in damage.
“I’m Not in a Flood Zone—Do I Still Need Flood Insurance?”
This is one of the most common questions we hear at Van Dyke Rankin Insurance. Many homeowners in College Station and the Brazos Valley believe they’re safe if they’re outside a “high-risk” flood zone. But floods can happen anywhere. In fact, over 20% of flood claims come from properties in low-to-moderate-risk areas.
Weather patterns are increasingly unpredictable, and new development changes how water flows through neighborhoods. Even if your mortgage doesn’t require flood insurance, it’s still a smart investment in protecting your home and your financial security.
How Van Dyke Rankin Insurance Helps You Prepare
At Van Dyke Rankin Insurance, we believe in educating homeowners so you can make informed choices. We’ll help you:
- Understand your flood risk. We review FEMA flood maps and local factors unique to the Brazos Valley.
- Compare flood insurance options. We’ll explain NFIP coverage vs. private flood policies to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget.
- Customize your protection. Whether you’re in Bryan, Aggieland, or surrounding communities, our agents will ensure your home insurance and flood insurance work hand-in-hand.
Flood damage can be devastating—but it doesn’t have to be financially ruinous. Let our experienced team at Van Dyke Rankin Insurance help you protect what matters most.
Don’t wait for the next storm to find out your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover flooding. Contact Van Dyke Rankin Insurance today for a personalized flood insurance quote—and get the peace of mind you deserve.
About Van Dyke Rankin Insurance
Van Dyke Rankin Insurance has proudly served homeowners and businesses across Bryan, College Station, and the greater Brazos Valley for decades. Our experienced team offers tailored insurance solutions for home, auto, health, and life, delivering protection and peace of mind with a client-first approach. We believe in educating our clients, so they can make confident choices about their coverage. Discover how we can help safeguard what matters most at vandykerankin.com.
