Flood insurance may not be your number one priority. However, if you reside in a state along the Gulf Coast or even a landlocked state with high rates of inundation, you are at a significantly greater risk of incurring expensive damages. A single inch of floodwater can cause damages in excess of $25,000.
- Louisiana: Louisiana is known for its low-lying coastal areas and is particularly vulnerable to flooding from hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. The state’s extensive network of rivers, lakes, and bayous also contributes to its flood risk.
- Florida: Florida’s coastal regions and flat terrain make it susceptible to flooding, especially during hurricane season. Heavy rainfall, high tides, and storm surges can lead to flooding in both coastal and inland areas.
- Texas: Texas experiences a range of flooding types, including flash floods from heavy rain, river flooding, and coastal flooding from hurricanes. The state’s size and diverse geography contribute to its flood risk.
- California: While California is often associated with drought, it can also experience significant flooding due to heavy rainfall, winter storms, and mudslides, especially in areas prone to wildfires.
- North Carolina: North Carolina’s coastline makes it susceptible to flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms. Inland areas are also at risk from heavy rainfall, especially in mountainous regions.
- South Carolina: Like its neighbor to the north, South Carolina faces flooding risks from hurricanes, heavy rain events, and river flooding.
- Mississippi: The combination of heavy rainfall, river flooding, and storm surges from hurricanes can lead to flooding in various parts of Mississippi.
- Missouri: The state’s central location means it can experience both river flooding, particularly along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and flash flooding from heavy rainfall.
- New Jersey: Coastal areas of New Jersey are vulnerable to flooding from hurricanes and coastal storms. Inland areas can experience river and flash flooding.
- Virginia: Coastal Virginia faces threats from both hurricane-related flooding and rising sea levels, while inland areas can experience river and flash flooding.
It’s important to note that flood risk can change over time due to factors such as weather patterns, urban development, and changes in water management. Residents in these and other states should consider their flood risk when evaluating the need for flood insurance, even if they are not located in designated high-risk flood zones. If you’re concerned about flood risk, consulting local flood maps and discussing insurance options with an insurance professional is recommended.
Texas
Texas tops our list due to its susceptibility to flooding near the coast and along Flash Flood Alley in Central and Northern Texas. Due to the prevalence of flood-prone areas, almost every significant city in the state is at risk.
The Texas Department of Insurance may insure your home for up to $250,000, while a distinct policy may insure your personal property for up to $100,000. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) also provides comparable services. However, there is a period of time before these policies go into affect, so don’t wait until a storm approaches!
Louisiana
Nobody should be astonished to see Louisiana on this list, given that so many Americans retain vivid memories of Hurricane Katrina. The state continues to endure catastrophic weather events, such as the 2016 flooding.
Residents of Louisiana are not required by law to purchase flood insurance, but they may be denied a federally-backed mortgage if their residence is located in a high-risk area. In addition, 25% of flood insurance claims originate outside of high-risk zones, which is noteworthy.
Since flood damage is not covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies in Louisiana, it makes sense to pursue coverage.
Florida
More than 75% of NFIP reimbursements for flood insurance have been distributed to five states: the four we’ve just mentioned, plus Florida. In other words, these five states are responsible for 67% of all flood insurance claims!
Despite the significant risk of flooding in Florida, only 18% of homeowners had flood insurance in 2022. In Florida, insurance premiums are expensive, but the likelihood of losing everything – as many residents did after Hurricane Ian – is likely costly.