Need flood insurance? The city of Austin may be able to help
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin is working to help people in high-flood risk areas afford flood insurance through a pilot program it launched late last year. The city is taking applications now.
"It's really important, I think, first to note that homeowners insurance does not cover flooding," said Saul Nuccitelli, Deputy Director of Austin Watershed Protection. "And so this can sometimes be an overlooked risk by homeowners."
Homeowners can earn up to $2,000 for flood insurance through the city's program.
The pilot was set up in late 2024. During that time, the city set aside $100,000 for the pilot, Nuccitelli said. The program has been renewed for this next fiscal year "and we may be able to exceed that initial amount," he said.
According to Austin's Watershed Protection Department, the average flood insurance claim in Austin is $21,000 as of 2021. The average annual policy for flood insurance in Austin is $670, though that tends to go up in flood-prone areas to more than $1,000.
To qualify for the pilot program one must:
- Own a home and live within the 100 year floodplain
- Have a household income at or below 140% of Austin's median family income
- Use the money for getting, keeping or renewing a flood insurance policy
You can apply through the Del Valle Community Coalition website here. Check to see if you live within the 100 year floodplain here.
Applications will be processed “while funds last,” according to the city.