Short answer: The Texas FAIR Plan is the residual option.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Amarillo area (Potter County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Potter County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Potter County
Look up FEMA's National Risk Index and the Potter County report; south-side addresses should open the Randall County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Potter County
Since 1989, Potter County has been part of 7 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe ice storm events (2), fire events (2) and severe storm events (2). The most recent: Severe Winter Storms, 2021, Wildfires, 2011, Extreme Wildfire Threat, 2006 and Hurricane Rita, 2005. FEMA also lists 7 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
July 2010's record rain
The National Weather Service in Amarillo says July 7–8, 2010 set the city's all-time 24-hour rainfall record of 7.25 inches. That storm brought swift-water rescues in southern Amarillo and a foot of water in the airport terminal, and 2 to 4 feet of water got into parts of Highland Park High School. That June, a storm near Sunray dropped a 6-inch hailstone through a storm chaser's windshield. Hail damage to a car is covered by comprehensive, not liability.
Playa lakes hold the runoff
Amarillo stores stormwater in playa lakes. The city's Drainage Utility maintains several city-owned playas, plus pump stations that move water out of low-lying areas. Since May 2025, a public dashboard has shown percent-full levels every 15 minutes for eight of them, including Lawrence, McDonald and T-Anchor lakes. If you live near a playa, keep an eye on it after heavy rain. A homeowners policy won't pay if it overflows into your house, but a separate flood policy can.
Residual market: Texas FAIR Plan
Amarillo is far from TWIA territory; declined homes can apply to the Texas FAIR Plan through an agent (TDI overview).
Hail, grass fires and blizzards
Playa lakes can flood nearby lots; see the MSC.
Auto: 30/60/25
TDI: 30/60/25.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
What drives Amarillo roof claims?
Large hail.
What auto liability does Texas require?
30/60/25.
Does an Amarillo homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.