Texans Still Waiting On Flood Insurance

HOUSTON - Hundreds of thousands of Texans don't know what kind of protection they'll have if hit by rising waters this hurricane season.

The National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP has been out of money since the start of hurricane season. Washington gridlock is to blame.

Harris County has one of the worst flooding problems in the country. There are more than 140,000 flood insurance policies in effect.

Many families are trying to buy new ones or have policies up for renewal. With a storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, they're wondering what will happen now that the flood insurance program run by FEMA is on hold.

"We've set the record. The longest stoppage they've had previous was 23 days so now we're up to a month and counting," said Ed Schreiber, Gem Insurance Agencies.

Schreiber is telling homeowners to pay their premiums regardless of the program's expiration.

"FEMA has set up guidelines that you should go ahead and buy insurance, fill in the paperwork, send it in and everyone hopes the bill will be retroactive and all coverage will be in place," said Schreiber.

But there's no guarantee. The U.S. Senate has been unable to come to an agreement on the program's funding like the U.S. House of Representatives did earlier this month.

Texas Senator John Cornyn (R) released a statement Monday.

It reads, "It's extremely disappointing that the Senate Democrats are blocking an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program. With a predicted busy storm season upon us, it's essential that Texans living in floodplains have access to this insurance to protect themselves against losses from flood damage. I hope we can work together and finally pass flood insurance reform legislation that will ensure reliable access to flood insurance for homeowners and renters across the country."

The Insurance Council of Texas recommends all Texans, especially those along the coast, consider buying flood insurance.

"People say, 'I don't live in a flood plain. Why do I need flood insurance?' Most losses that come out of the flood insurance program come from people whose homes are not in the flood plain," said Schreiber.