Insurance
Homeowners Insurance in Houston
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Homeowners insurance in Houston usually covers wind, hail, fire, and burst pipes. It does not cover flooding, and flooding is Houston's biggest risk. If you live near Galveston Bay, your policy may not cover wind either.
Most Houston homeowners should compare home insurance and flood insurance quotes together.
Texas homeowners paid about $2,397 a year on average in 2022, the third-highest in the country. Houston prices vary a lot by neighborhood, flood zone, and distance from the coast.
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Flooding: the gap most Houston homeowners have
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. You need a separate flood insurance policy for that. You can get one through the federal flood program (NFIP) or from a private insurer.
Many Houston homeowners skip flood insurance because they're not in a high-risk flood zone. That's risky. During Hurricane Harvey, about 68% of the homes that flooded in Harris County were outside the 100-year floodplain. The 100-year floodplain is the area FEMA says has a 1% chance of flooding each year.
Federal flood policies usually have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts. So you can't wait until a storm is in the forecast to buy one.
New flood maps are coming
FEMA is working on new flood maps for Harris County. They're the first big update in nearly 20 years. The draft maps assume about 30% more rain than the 2007 maps. For example, they plan for 17 inches of rain in 24 hours instead of 13.
When the new maps take effect, many homes may land in a higher-risk zone. If you have a federally backed mortgage and your home moves into a high-risk zone, your lender will require flood insurance. It's worth checking your home's flood risk now, before the new maps take effect.
Wind and hail near the bay
In most of Houston, your homeowners policy covers wind and hail. But some areas near Galveston Bay are different. There, many regular policies leave out wind and hail. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) sells that coverage instead.
In Harris County, TWIA covers areas east of Highway 146, plus the cities of La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook, and Shoreacres. If you live in one of these areas, you may need a regular policy and a TWIA policy.
Across the rest of Houston, hail is still a big deal. Most policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percent of your home's coverage. Ask for the amount in dollars before you buy.
Freezes and burst pipes
Houston doesn't get many hard freezes. But when one hits, pipes that aren't built for cold can burst. The 2021 winter storm led to a wave of water damage claims across the area.
Sudden water damage from a burst pipe is usually covered. The pipe itself may not be. If you travel in winter, ask what your policy expects, like keeping the heat on.
What changes your price in Houston
- Your neighborhood and flood zone. Homes closer to bayous, the bay, and flood-prone areas often cost more to insure.
- Your roof. An older roof may mean a higher price or actual cash value coverage. A newer or impact-resistant roof may lower your price.
- Your deductible. A higher wind and hail deductible lowers your price but raises what you pay after a storm.
- Your home's rebuild cost. Bigger homes and pricier materials cost more to insure.
- Your claims history. Recent claims can raise your rate.
The quickest way to know your price is to get a quote.
How to compare home insurance in Houston
Use HelpInsure.com. The Texas Department of Insurance runs HelpInsure.com. It shows sample rates and complaint records for many insurers in your zip code.
Compare the same coverage. Line up the dwelling limit, the wind and hail deductible, and roof coverage. A cheap quote with actual cash value on your roof may cost you more after a hailstorm.
Quote flood at the same time. Get your flood insurance quote alongside your home insurance quote. It's easier to see your full cost and avoid a gap.
Texas rules on claim deadlines, deductibles, and roofers apply in Houston too. See homeowners insurance in Texas for the full list.
What to ask before you choose
- Does this policy cover wind and hail, or do I need TWIA?
- What is my wind and hail deductible in dollars?
- Is my roof covered at replacement cost or actual cash value?
- What flood zone am I in now, and what will the new maps show?
- How much would flood insurance cost for my home?
Related services
Storm damage? Get roofing quotes in Houston or use the roof cost calculator. You can also compare Texas car insurance, renters insurance, and landlord insurance.
More home insurance guides: Homeowners insurance cost · Condo insurance · Renters insurance · Landlord insurance · Mobile home insurance · Flood insurance · Umbrella insurance · How much homeowners insurance you need · Renters insurance basics · How to get renters insurance · All insurance
Homeowners insurance in more states: Michigan · Arizona · North Carolina · Pennsylvania · Illinois · Massachusetts · New Jersey · Indiana · Colorado · Alabama · Louisiana · South Carolina · Virginia · Maryland · Oklahoma · Wisconsin · Utah · Maine · Minnesota · Arkansas · Hawaii · Missouri · Tennessee
More Texas guides: Texas homeowners insurance · Texas car insurance · Texas roofing laws · Texas home equity loans · Texas cash-out refinance · Houston car insurance · Houston roof replacement · Dallas homeowners insurance · Dallas car insurance · San Antonio car insurance · Austin car insurance · Fort Worth car insurance · San Antonio homeowners insurance
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Related services
Renters Insurance
Compare renters coverage options for an apartment or rental home.
Condo Insurance
Explore condo coverage options alongside your association policy.
Landlord Insurance
Explore coverage options for a property you rent out.
Flood Insurance
Explore flood coverage, which standard home policies usually exclude.
Sources
- Houston Public Media, Harris County flood risk map article (February 16, 2026)
- ReduceFlooding.com, Harvey statistics citing Harris County Flood Control District
- TWIA, Frequently asked questions: eligible areas
- NAIC homeowners report (2022 data), via Insurance Information Institute
- FEMA FloodSmart
- HelpInsure.com (Texas Department of Insurance and Office of Public Insurance Counsel)