Interest in Flood Insurance Rises Following Central Texas Storms

More than a foot of rain inundated parts of Central Texas beginning late on Oct. 30. In the aftermath of widespread flooding, insurance agents in Austin say interest in flood insurance coverage has risen dramatically, according to the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT).

Approximately 650 homes and businesses were either damaged or destroyed in Austin and Travis County alone in the late October storms, the ICT reported.

By early morning on Oct. 31, the National Weather Service reported significant flooding in Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. Wimberley, a town in Hays County of about 2,600 residents, had received up to 14 inches of rain, NWS meteorologist Steve Smart said.

As of Nov. 7, 680 flood insurance claims had been filed in Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, according to Federal Emergency Management Administration Public Affairs Specialist Jacqueline Chandler. No monetary amount from those claims was available at press time because they have not been closed. Chandler said more claims would likely be filed.

The ICT reported that according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Travis County has 9,060 residential and commerial flood insurance policies in effect totaling $2 billion in liability. Hays County has 805 flood insurance policies with $203 million in liability. Williamson County has 1,804 flood insurance policies with $456 million in liability.

Flood damage to a vehicle may be covered by auto insurance if the policy has comprehensive coverage.

Five people were reported to have died as a result of the flooding.