When people imagine flood risks, they often think of coastal hurricanes or rivers overflowing in the Gulf. But right here in Round Rock and across Williamson County, flooding is a serious and often underestimated threat. At Safe Beacon Insurance, we’ve seen how quickly a few inches of water can create tens of thousands in property damage — and how often people realize they’re unprotected only after it’s too late.
In this post, we’ll break down the local flood risks, explain what flood insurance covers (and what it doesn’t), and help you decide whether it’s time to revisit your policy. Even if your property isn’t in a high-risk flood zone, the potential impact of an unexpected flood shouldn’t be ignored.
Flooding in Central Texas: Not Just a Coastal Problem
Flooding can happen just about anywhere. FEMA reports that over 25% of all flood claims come from homes located outside of designated high-risk areas. That means even if you’re miles from a river or reservoir, your property could still be vulnerable.
In Round Rock, sudden downpours, flash flooding, and maxed-out drainage systems can all trigger major damage. Central Texas weather is unpredictable, and with constant development throughout Williamson County, the natural landscape that used to absorb rain is being replaced by rooftops and roads. That shift in terrain puts added stress on the stormwater systems — increasing the odds of localized flooding.
Here are a few recent examples:
October 2018: Storms swelled the San Gabriel River, flooding homes in and around Georgetown and Round Rock.
August 2022: A single storm brought over 5 inches of rain in a few hours, overwhelming creeks and causing widespread flooding.
Spring 2024: FEMA’s updated flood maps reclassified large portions of Williamson County, moving many properties into higher-risk categories.
These incidents show that flood risk is changing — and growing.
Why Standard Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover Flooding
One of the most common misunderstandings we see at Safe Beacon Insurance is homeowners thinking they’re covered for flood damage under their current policy. Unfortunately, traditional homeowners insurance does not include protection from floods.
If water enters your home due to rising water from rainfall, creek overflow, or an overwhelmed drainage system, you’ll need a separate flood policy — otherwise, that claim will be denied.
You can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through a private insurer. Both options provide a critical layer of protection that your home policy likely lacks.
What’s Included in a Flood Policy
Flood insurance can protect both your structure and your belongings, but it’s important to know what’s included and what isn’t.
With an NFIP policy, you can select:
Building Coverage – up to $250,000
Foundation, staircases, and support structures
Electrical and plumbing systems
HVAC systems and water heaters
Built-in appliances
Carpet permanently installed over bare floors
Detached garages (some restrictions apply)
Contents Coverage – up to $100,000
Clothing, furniture, electronics
Area rugs, curtains, and small appliances
Washers, dryers, freezers (and their contents)
High-value items (limited to $2,500 per item)
At Safe Beacon Insurance, we help you decide which type of coverage you need and how to structure your policy for maximum value.
What Flood Insurance Doesn’t Pay For
As with any policy, there are limits. Flood insurance won’t cover everything. Exclusions often include:
Sewer backups (unless directly caused by flooding)
Mold or moisture issues that could’ve been prevented
Items outside the home, like fences, pools, and landscaping
Living expenses while your home is being repaired
Looking for broader coverage? We can help you explore private flood insurance options that offer higher limits and extended features.
FEMA’s New Flood Maps for Williamson County
As of April 2024, the new FEMA flood maps are officially in effect for Williamson County. These maps determine which areas fall into a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) — zones where flood insurance is required by most lenders.
If your home has been reclassified into one of these zones, your mortgage provider will likely mandate flood coverage.
Even homes outside of the SFHA are at risk. Nearly 40% of all NFIP claims are from properties not considered high-risk. That’s why FEMA and many experts recommend flood insurance no matter where you live.
We’re helping Round Rock residents navigate these changes by:
Checking current flood zone status
Reviewing lender requirements
Comparing NFIP and private policy options
Securing the best possible rates before flood risk designations affect premiums
Flood Insurance Costs in Round Rock
Rates for flood insurance vary based on a few main factors:
Your elevation and how close you are to water
How your home is built (foundation type, materials)
The flood zone designation from FEMA
The type and amount of coverage you want
Typical premiums look like this:
NFIP policies often range from $700 to $1,200 per year for homes in moderate- to low-risk zones
Private insurers may offer higher limits or added features at competitive pricing
Many homeowners in Round Rock can lower premiums with measures like raising their home above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or installing water mitigation systems.
What Happens Without Flood Insurance
It’s easy to assume a flood will never affect you — until it does. Some things to keep in mind:
Just one inch of water in your home can lead to $25,000+ in damage
In 2022, FEMA found that 40% of all flood claims were from outside high-risk zones
Recovery often requires dipping into savings or taking on debt — and can take months or even years
Real story from a local Safe Beacon client:
“We thought we were in a safe part of Round Rock. When Brushy Creek overflowed, water rushed up into our backyard and seeped into our home. Our homeowners insurance didn’t cover it — and we had to pay nearly $35,000 out of pocket. It was a hard lesson.”
Your Next Steps
Not sure where you stand on flood insurance? Here’s what to do:
- Find Out Your Flood Zone
Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) or reach out to us. We’ll find your zone and explain what it means. - Assess Your Property’s Risk
Even if you’re not near a creek, proximity to storm drains or new construction can raise your risk of flooding. - Review Your Current Coverage
Most home policies exclude flood damage — we’ll review your existing policy and identify any gaps. - Request a Quote
We can run quotes from both NFIP and private flood insurance carriers and walk you through the pros and cons. - Don’t Wait for the Rain
NFIP policies come with a 30-day waiting period. That means if a storm is brewing, it’s already too late to add coverage.
Why Work With Safe Beacon Insurance?
At Safe Beacon Insurance, we live and work right here in Round Rock. We understand the challenges Central Texas homeowners face — and we’re here to make protecting your home easier.
Clients choose us because:
We tailor policies to your home and your budget
We’re an independent agency, so we compare coverage across multiple providers
We keep up with local changes — including development, infrastructure, and FEMA flood maps
We give honest advice, not scare tactics
Flooding might not be the first risk on your mind — but in our area, it should be on your radar. Weather is changing, growth is accelerating, and stormwater systems are under more pressure than ever.
Let’s get ahead of the next storm together.
Safe Beacon Insurance | (512) 535-1918 | safebeaconinsurance.com
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