The Short Answer: It Depends on the Cause
This is one of the most common questions we receive from homeowners in Boerne and the San Antonio area after a water damage event. The answer hinges on a critical distinction: where did the water come from?
What Standard Texas Homeowners Insurance Covers
A standard HO-3 homeowners policy — the most common type in Texas — covers "sudden and accidental" water damage from internal sources. This typically includes:
- Burst pipes — a pipe freezes and ruptures, flooding your home
- Appliance failures — a washing machine hose bursts or a water heater fails
- HVAC leaks — an AC condensate line overflows
- Roof leaks from storms — wind damage that causes rain to enter (usually covered)
- Sewage backup — if you have the optional sewage/sump pump rider
What Standard Policies Do NOT Cover
Here's where many Texas homeowners get blindsided:
- Groundwater flooding — rising water from heavy rain, rivers, or storm surge
- Flash flooding — water that enters from outside due to storms
- Sewer backup — unless you've purchased an optional rider
- Gradual water damage — a slow leak you ignored for months is never covered
- Maintenance-related damage — a roof that was already failing before the storm
The Kendall County area, including Boerne, experienced significant flooding from the Guadalupe River and Cibolo Creek during major storm events. In those situations, standard homeowners insurance paid nothing for flood-damaged homes.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Separate flood insurance is available through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurers. Key facts:
- You must purchase it separately — it is never included in a standard homeowners policy
- There is typically a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins (so you can't buy it during a storm)
- Average annual premium in Texas is around $700–$900, depending on flood zone
- Covers up to $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for contents
Am I in a Flood Zone in Boerne?
Kendall County has several designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), particularly along the Guadalupe River, Cibolo Creek, and their tributaries. You can check your flood zone status using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov by entering your address. Even if you're not in a high-risk zone, flooding can happen anywhere — approximately 25% of flood claims come from outside designated flood zones.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Water Damage
If you have covered water damage, here are the steps for a successful claim:
- Document everything immediately — photos and video of all damage before cleanup
- Call your insurance company — report the claim within 24 hours if possible
- Prevent further damage — you're required to take reasonable steps to mitigate additional loss
- Get a restoration company involved early — they document damage professionally and often communicate directly with adjusters
- Save all receipts — for temporary housing, boarding up, or emergency repairs
How Water Damage Restoration Boerne TX Works with Insurance
We work directly with all major insurance carriers — State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Farmers, and others — and understand the documentation adjusters need. When you call us, we:
- Create a detailed written and photographic damage assessment
- Provide moisture readings and drying logs that meet insurance standards
- Communicate directly with your insurance adjuster
- Bill your insurance company directly in most cases
Questions about whether your damage is covered? Call us at (830) 271-3338 — we're happy to review your situation and help you understand your options, at no charge.