Flood Insurance: Facts About the Waiting Period

September 28, 2017
Rough sea spray hits a railing along a wet, debris-strewn walkway


Most people already understand that standard home insurance plans do not cover flood damage. When it comes to overflowing rivers, torrential rains, and tropical storms, you will need a standalone flood insurance for them. Tropical storms bring massive floods and cause a lot of destruction as we’ve seen firsthand. This was the case when tropical storm Harvey brought major damages in Texas which prompted people to buy flood insurance policies—but does it work instantly?


The right thing to do is purchase your own flood insurance policy in advance before the occurrence of flood. The reason for this is that there is a waiting period for the policy to be used, which is typically 30 days from the time of purchase. However, there are certain cases wherein the flood policy can provide coverage at once.


If you have a private flood insurance, the waiting period is much shorter than the one from the National Flood Insurance Program. Buying from a private seller can give you as little as 10-14 days of waiting period. The policy may not cover any flood damage if the calamity happens at the time of the blackout period.


Exceptions to the Waiting Period

  1. There is no waiting period if the flood insurance you purchase is in connection with the renewal or extension of your mortgage.
  2. If your home is included in the Special Flood Hazard Area, the flood insurance you purchase comes with a one-day waiting period.
  3. You increase the policy of your existing flood insurance at the time of renewal. As soon as the old coverage ends, the new limits start to kick in.
  4. If your house is located in a high-risk flooding area due to a wildfire or burned federal area. Most likely, there is no waiting period at all if you already have a flood policy within 2 months that the fire is contained.
  5. If you are transferring your policy from the National Flood Insurance Program to a private insurance.


Flood Insurance for Your Car

In the event of flooding, flood insurance doesn't cover vehicles. The coverage that should pay for the damages to your car is your comprehensive car insurance. It is best to add new coverage to your existing insurance policy in case of a storm. Remember that insurance companies usually do not sell one during a storm watch. Basically, there is no waiting period for this.
​

As they say, it’s better safe than sorry. Today is the best time to buy your flood insurance to avoid a long waiting period. At the Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency we take pride in making sure our clients are well-protected at prices that they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you please contact our agency at (409) 945-4746 or Click Here to request a free quote.

September 15, 2026
If you own a home in Texas City, you already know windstorm insurance isn't optional, and you've probably felt the sting of the premium on your renewal notice. Years of active hurricane seasons along the Gulf have pushed rates higher across the board, but that doesn't mean you're stuck accepting whatever number your ca
A damaged, peeling wall with dark mold growth
September 9, 2026
Mold has a way of showing up in Texas City homes when you least expect it, and Gulf Coast humidity doesn't make it any easier to avoid. Between hurricane-season moisture, everyday humidity, and the occasional leaky pipe or roof, it's one of the more common issues local homeowners run into, and also one of the more misu
September 9, 2026
Owning a home along the Texas Gulf Coast means living with a level of risk most inland homeowners never think twice about. Between hurricane season, hail storms rolling in off the Gulf, and the ever-present threat of flooding after a heavy rain, a homeowners policy here has to work harder than it does almost anywhere e
September 9, 2026
Most Texas City homeowners assume that if their house takes on water, their homeowners policy has them covered. It doesn't, and finding that out mid-claim is one of the most expensive surprises a Gulf Coast homeowner can face. Flood damage is excluded from every standard homeowners and commercial property policy in the
Home, homeowners, and flood policy comparison over a flooded house illustration
September 7, 2026
How Texas coastal homeowners actually get hurricane coverage: TWIA 2026 limits, the declination rule, WPI-8 certificates, named-storm deductibles, and the flood policy that pays for surge. Written by a Gulf Coast agent.
Flooded beach house on stilts with roof damage and insurance claim callouts about a Gulf Coast short-term rental
September 7, 2026
How to insure a Galveston, Crystal Beach, Surfside, or Port Aransas short-term rental: TWIA wind, NFIP flood, Fire & Liability policy, from an experienced local Gulf Coast Insurance agent.
August 25, 2026
Learn why TWIA requires WPI-8 certification, which Texas coastal homes need it, key exceptions, and what to do if your certificate is missing.
A smiling parent sits on a couch and lifts a happy young child
August 19, 2026
Kids explore everything, and that curiosity is part of what makes childhood fun — but it also means everyday spaces in your home can hide risks you might not think twice about as an adult. A few thoughtful changes around the house can prevent the kinds of accidents that send families to the emergency room every year.
A view of two suburban houses
August 17, 2026
It's a question we hear often in Texas City, especially once a tropical system starts showing up in the forecast: can I still get flood insurance now, or is it too late? The honest answer is that it depends on your policy type and timing, and understanding how flood insurance waiting periods work can save you from a co
An American Red Cross emergency kit with supplies like water, a flashlight, goggles, and a poncho for flood survival.
August 10, 2026
Living near the Texas Gulf Coast means flooding isn't a rare or distant threat — it's a real possibility every hurricane season, and sometimes even after a heavy afternoon thunderstorm. Whether you're right along the water or a few miles inland, knowing how to prepare, evacuate, and recover safely can make all the diff
Show More