Two of Texas' largest insurers reported big upticks in flood insurance policies since Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Gulf Coast last year.
Insurance providers saw a more than 400 percent increase in flood policies in the state since September.
In the first nine months of 2017, about 70 percent of new flood policies were purchased for properties outside of flood zones, meaning those property owners voluntarily bought it. After Harvey, that figure rose to 81 percent.
During hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the number of flood insurance queries rose and there was an increase in Houston area flood policies.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program, about 20 percent of all flood claims come from areas considered low or moderate risk, so it is encouraged to buy flood insurance policies even when not required.
It is critical not to wait until a flood is forecasted, because new flood policies have a 30-day waiting period. (Call Amco Auto Insurance at (800) 282-2000.)
Last week it was reported that flood policies issued to Texans grew from about 585,000 on July 31 to 664,000 by Dec. 21, an increase of 13.5 percent.
Keep your home protected. Call Amco and Remco Auto Insurance at (800) 282-2000 and talk to your local agent today for a flood and home insurance quote.