Sudden leaks versus slow leaks and floods, the 30-day flood insurance wait, and what to do before you call a contractor, from official sources.
By the WaterDamageRated team · Facts checked against the sources listed below on November 1, 2026. General information, not professional advice.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says most homeowner and renters policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe, a toilet overflow or a broken washer hose, and that mold that develops on a damaged item would be covered.
TDI says most home policies don't cover water damage from gradual leaks or seepage, including the mold that results, and don't cover floods. FloodSmart, the National Flood Insurance Program's site, also says most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Your own policy wording is what counts, so read it or ask your insurer.
FloodSmart says there is typically a 30-day wait before a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy takes effect. Exceptions include a policy bought when making, increasing, extending or renewing a mortgage loan, and a building newly designated in a high-risk area (Special Flood Hazard Area) when the policy is bought within 13 months of the map revision. TDI says a flood insurance policy will cover your home up to $250,000, and a separate flood policy for your belongings provides up to $100,000. FloodSmart says that over 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP flood insurance claims came from areas outside current high-risk flood zones.
TDI's advice after water damage:
38 companies in 5 areas, scored by the same published criteria.