Galveston, TX Flood Insurance: Costs, Coverage & Risk Rating 2.0 in 2025
Galveston, Texas is one of the most flood-prone cities in the U.S., with homes at risk from hurricanes, coastal flooding, and FEMA flood zone changes. Learn how to protect your property with the right flood insurance policy.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in Galveston, TX?
If you have a mortgage and your home is in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone (A, AE, or VE), flood insurance is required.
✔️ NFIP flood insurance is mandatory for homes in high-risk flood zones.
✔️ Even homes in moderate-risk zones are seeing more frequent flooding.
✔️ Coastal homes near Jamaica Beach, Pirates Beach, and Crystal Beach are highly vulnerable to storm surge flooding.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Galveston, TX?
Flood insurance costs vary depending on flood zone, elevation, and whether you choose NFIP or private insurance.
✔️ NFIP Flood Insurance Rates in Galveston: ~$1,200–$3,500 per year
✔️ Private Flood Insurance Rates: May offer savings of 20-50%
Real Example: A homeowner in Jamaica Beach saw their NFIP flood insurance go from $800/year to $3,500/year under Risk Rating 2.0.

Best Flood Insurance Options for Galveston, TX Homes
You have two main choices for flood insurance—NFIP (government-backed) and private flood insurance.
NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program)
• Max coverage: $250,000 for structure, $100,000 for contents
• Standardized pricing, no rate shopping
• 30-day waiting period
Private Flood Insurance
• Higher coverage limits available
• Can be cheaper than NFIP for some homes
• Immediate coverage available
How Risk Rating 2.0 Has Impacted Flood Insurance in Galveston
Under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 system, flood insurance costs have dramatically increased for many Galveston homeowners.
What Determines the Cost of Flood Insurance?
✔️ Older homes built on slabs (instead of pilings) saw major rate hikes.
✔️ Coastal homes and vacation rentals now pay much higher premiums.
✔️ Elevation certificates no longer guarantee lower rates.
Galveston FEMA Flood Map: Is Your Home in a High-Risk Flood Zone?
Use our interactive FEMA flood map tool to check if your property is in a high-risk flood zone.
Find out if flood insurance is required and the overall
flood risk of a property
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NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance in Galveston: Which Should You Choose?
Many Galveston homeowners are switching to private flood insurance for better coverage and lower rates.
NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program)
• Standardized pricing
• 30-day waiting period
Private Flood Insurance
• Higher coverage limits available
• Immediate coverage available
Find Flood Insurance for Your City in Texas
Flood risks and insurance rates vary widely by city. Select your city below for a tailored guide.
Don't See Your City? Click Here.

How to Save Money on Flood Insurance in Galveston
Many homeowners in Galveston are overpaying for flood insurance—here’s how to lower your costs.
✔️ Get an elevation certificate (if it lowers your base flood elevation).
✔️ Compare NFIP vs. private flood insurance rates.
✔️ Increase your deductible to lower your annual premium.