The City of Austin has launched a pilot Flood Insurance Assistance Program in partnership with the Del Valle Community Coalition. The initiative offers up to $2,000 in financial support for Austin homeowners to help them obtain or maintain flood insurance for one year. The program is designed to assist residents living in high-risk flood areas by making flood insurance more accessible.
To qualify, applicants must own their home within the 100-year floodplain, have a household income at or below 140% of the Median Family Income, and use the funds for purchasing, maintaining, or renewing a flood insurance policy. Applications are available through the Del Valle Community Coalition website at ATXdvcc.org/flood and will be accepted until December 31, 2025, or until funds are depleted. The program processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis. If approved, payments will be made directly to insurance companies.
“Austin participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System, federally backed flood insurance is available to everyone in Austin at up to a 25% discount. The average annual policy in Austin is $670, but policies in floodplain areas typically cost more than $1,000.”
The financial impact of flooding can be significant. As of 2021, the average flood insurance claim in Austin was $21,000. Standard homeowner insurance policies do not usually cover flood damage. While federal assistance may be available after large-scale emergencies if certain thresholds are met, homeowners without flood insurance are responsible for covering any damages caused by flooding.
Austin Watershed Protection continues its mission to protect lives, property, and the environment by working to reduce the impacts of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. More information about their efforts can be found at www.AustinTexas.gov/Watershed.
Austin Housing works to create and preserve housing opportunities for community stability. Additional resources about affordable housing are available at www.AustinTexas.gov/Housing.
The Del Valle Community Coalition is a nonprofit organization focused on defending human and civil rights in underserved communities and encouraging proactive solutions through collaboration with city and county leaders.
