The Federal Emergency Management Agency launched a tool on Oct. 20 that lets people buy a National Flood Insurance Program policy completely online through Floodsmart.gov. The tool is available nationwide, including in Texas, and covers residents of about 22,700 participating NFIP communities.
Users can get a quote after giving basic information about their building. They can then buy the policy online in a few minutes or through an insurance agent. Buyers who choose a local or national carrier can share their quote details with an agent, or the site will list three licensed state insurance agents.
FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton said the tool makes it easier for people to reduce their financial risk. FEMA said the NFIP covers residents in all five FEMA Region 6 states, including nearly $170 billion in coverage for about 553,000 policyholders in Texas.