Short answer: If two Texas-licensed writers turn you down, the Texas FAIR Plan may be an option.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Houston area (Harris 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 Harris County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: start with FEMA's National Risk Index
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Harris County county report. The Index scores counties on 18 natural hazards. For Houston addresses, also pull your flood zone from the Flood Map Service Center.
More for Houston policyholders
Inside the city, Chapter 19 of the Houston Code of Ordinances is the floodplain management chapter: it adopts FEMA flood maps/studies and sets development standards in special flood hazard areas. In unincorporated Harris County, permits run through the Harris County Engineering floodplain management program under the county's Floodplain Management Regulations.
Per the Texas Department of Insurance FAIR Plan overview and TFPA eligibility, you generally need declinations from at least two Texas-licensed companies that actually write residential property, with no valid comparable offer from a licensed Texas insurer (surplus lines doesn't count). Apply only through a licensed P&C agent. See also our Texas homeowners insurance guide.
Lot clearance and brush (insurers notice this)
The City of Houston's Community Code Enforcement page states owners must keep weeds and grass at nine inches or less and brush/shrubbery at seven feet or less, and that weeds or brush over 48 inches can be abated as an emergency under Section 10-453. Overgrown lots are treated as fire and safety hazards. Clearing violations before you shop can matter when underwriters review condition photos.
What Harvey did in Harris County
The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston says a strong rainband spread into Harris County on the evening of August 26, 2017 and slowed while training from south to north. That caused rapid flash flooding between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., and heavy rain continued through much of the 29th and 30th. About 46 percent of the river forecast points in southeast Texas reached new record levels. A flooded car is covered only under comprehensive, and a homeowners policy doesn't cover flood, so a home needs a separate flood policy.
Choosing a deductible
A higher deductible lowers the premium but raises what you pay after a loss. If the declarations page lists a percentage deductible for wind or hail, work out the dollar figure before you choose.
Roof claims
Some policies pay older roofs at actual cash value rather than replacement cost. Keep the installation date and invoices, and ask whether impact-resistant roofing earns a discount.
Auto: Texas 30/60/25 and registration
The TDI auto insurance guide states Texas requires at least $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage (30/60/25). PIP is included unless you reject it in writing; UM/UIM must be offered. TxDMV vehicle registration is handled through your county tax office and expects current insurance proof. If two companies refuse to write you, TDI points drivers to the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA) for basic liability (not collision/comprehensive).
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
When can Houston homeowners use the Texas FAIR Plan?
After at least two declinations from Texas-licensed residential writers and no valid comparable licensed offer, per TDI and TFPA eligibility rules.
What auto liability minimum does Texas require?
30/60/25 per the TDI auto guide: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage.
Does a Houston 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.