If you're living in Friendswood, Texas—or thinking about moving to this family-friendly Bay Area suburb—you probably already know it's a great place to call home. With its Quaker heritage, excellent schools, and tight-knit community of about 41,500 residents, Friendswood offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort and proximity to Houston's opportunities. But there's one thing that catches many newcomers off guard: the insurance landscape here is unlike anywhere else in Texas.
Between flood risks from four major creeks, hurricane threats from the Gulf Coast, and Texas's unique insurance requirements, getting the right coverage can feel overwhelming. That's exactly why we created this guide. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about auto insurance, homeowners coverage, flood protection, and how to find the right local agent to help you navigate it all.
Understanding Texas Auto Insurance Requirements
Let's start with auto insurance, since every driver in Texas must carry it. The state requires what's called 30/60/25 coverage. Here's what that means in plain English: $30,000 of coverage for injuries to one person, up to $60,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. You'll need to carry proof of this coverage whenever you're behind the wheel—law enforcement can ask to see it at any time.
Here's the thing most people don't realize: these minimum requirements probably aren't enough. With the median home value in Friendswood sitting at $350,000 and household incomes averaging $125,000, you have real assets to protect. If you cause an accident and someone racks up $75,000 in medical bills, your $30,000 liability policy only covers part of it. Guess who's on the hook for the rest? That's right—you personally.
Every Texas insurer must offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. You can decline them in writing, but most insurance professionals strongly recommend keeping both. PIP covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident, while uninsured motorist coverage protects you when someone without insurance hits you. Given that roughly 14% of Texas drivers are uninsured, that last one isn't just theoretical.
The Flood Insurance Reality in Friendswood
If there's one thing you need to understand about living in Friendswood, it's this: flood insurance isn't optional. Hurricane Harvey proved that devastatingly when about 3,000 homes were destroyed by flooding. Despite being an inland city, Friendswood sits at the confluence of multiple flood risks—storm surge from Galveston Bay and four major creeks that can overflow during heavy rain.
Friendswood receives an average of 55 inches of rain annually—more than double the Texas average of 25 inches. NOAA recently updated their precipitation maps, increasing the threshold for a 100-year floodplain by 4 inches. Translation? More homes than before could fall into flood zones, meaning even more residents need coverage.
The good news is that Friendswood participates in both the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System, which means eligible policyholders get more affordable premiums. The average flood insurance cost in the Houston area runs about $592 per year—far less than replacing your belongings after a flood. One critical detail: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect. Don't wait until you see a tropical storm forming in the Gulf to buy coverage.
Home Insurance Essentials for Bay Area Living
Unlike auto insurance, Texas doesn't legally require homeowners insurance. But if you have a mortgage—and most people do—your lender will absolutely require it. Even if you own your home outright, going without coverage on a $350,000 asset is a massive financial gamble.
Here's what trips people up: standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage or windstorm damage. Given Friendswood's location in the Gulf Coast region, you need three separate policies for complete protection: homeowners, flood, and windstorm. Yes, that's three different policies, three different premiums, and three different coverage documents. It's frustrating, but it's also the reality of living in this part of Texas.
The silver lining? Bundling your auto and homeowners insurance through the same company typically nets you a 5% to 25% discount on each policy. When you're already paying for multiple types of coverage, those savings add up quickly. Shop around with local agents who can quote multiple carriers at once—they'll help you find the best combination of coverage and price.
Finding the Right Insurance Agent in Friendswood
Friendswood has about six local insurance agencies serving the community, and choosing the right one matters more than you might think. A good local agent understands the unique risks in Galveston and Harris Counties. They know which neighborhoods flooded during Harvey, which carriers are still writing policies in the area, and how to structure your coverage to close gaps between your policies.
When you're interviewing agents, ask specific questions: Do they handle claims directly or hand you off to a call center? Can they quote multiple carriers to compare options? Are they familiar with NFIP flood policies and private flood insurance alternatives? How do they recommend structuring coverage for coastal properties? The best agents don't just sell policies—they become trusted advisors who help you understand what you're actually buying.
Look for agents who proactively review your coverage annually. Your situation changes—maybe you remodeled your kitchen, bought a new car, or your kid started driving. These life changes affect your insurance needs, and a good agent catches these details before you file a claim and discover you're underinsured.
Getting Started with Your Insurance Plan
The insurance landscape in Friendswood is complex, but it doesn't have to be confusing. Start by making a list of everything you need to protect: your home, your vehicles, your belongings, and your financial assets. Then reach out to a few local agents and ask them to explain exactly what coverage you need and why.
Don't let the sticker shock from multiple policies scare you off from adequate coverage. The cost of being underinsured—or worse, uninsured—when disaster strikes dwarfs any premium savings. Friendswood is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, but it comes with real risks that demand real protection. With the right coverage in place, you can enjoy everything this Bay Area community offers without lying awake at night worrying about what might happen if a hurricane spins up in the Gulf.
