Why so few Harvey victims have flood insurance

Flooded homes are shown near Lake Houston.
Flooded homes are shown near Lake Houston following Hurricane Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Win McNamee | Getty Images

Houston, Texas is facing a natural disaster. But less than 20 percent of those in the wake of Hurricane Harvey have flood insurance. Why is that? And what can be done to improve the way homeowners insure their property?

MPR News host Kerri Miller talked to Ike Brannon, a Cato Institute visiting fellow, and Laura Lightbody, Project Director of Flood-Prepared Communities at The Pew Charitable Trusts, about America's flood insurance programs.

Use the audio player above to hear the full segment.