As a homeowner in Texas, it is important to be aware of the available insurance options in the event of a hurricane. Our Texas attorneys at The Voss Law Firm provide an overview of the different types of insurance policies available and what you can expect from each. It is important to note that coverage may vary depending on your location, so be sure to contact your insurance provider for specific information. With hurricane season in full swing, now is the time to make sure you are fully protected.
Hurricane Insurance in Texas
As a homeowner, you know that your home is one of your most valuable investments. And in coastal regions like Texas, hurricane insurance is a must to protect your home from wind and water damage. Most standard homeowners policies include some coverage for hurricane damage. But there are a few exceptions, especially for homeowners in Texas. The trouble is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to hurricane insurance coverage.
Hurricane insurance is not a specific policy type, but rather a package of insurance products that can include windstorm and flood coverage. Together, these policies can protect your home from the damage that a hurricane can cause. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it is important to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage.
Texas Insurance Requirements
It is important to remember that hurricane insurance does not exist as a policy by itself, but is instead a type of coverage that can be included in other policies such as homeowners insurance, flood insurance, or windstorm insurance. In the state of Texas, hurricane insurance is not required by law. However, lenders may require borrowers to purchase this type of insurance as part of the home loan process.
Windstorm Insurance Coverage
If you live in an area along the Gulf Coast where hurricane winds are the strongest, your home insurance policy may not cover wind or hail damage. In this case, you would need to purchase a windstorm policy from a private insurance company or the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. This type of policy would provide coverage for wind and hail damage.
Homeowners Insurance
Home insurance is not required by law in the state of Texas; however, your lender will require you to have it if you borrow money to purchase your home. As a homeowner, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether or not you want to insure your home; however, it is always advisable to err on the side of caution.
However, standard homeowners insurance policies may not provide enough coverage for certain types of disasters. For example, hurricanes can create high winds, heavy downpours, and storm surge, which can cause extensive damage to your home. If your home is damaged by a hurricane, you may need to purchase a separate policy to cover the cost of repairs.
Flood Insurance Coverage
As anyone who has lived through a hurricane can attest, storm surge is a serious risk for coastal homeowners. Flooding from heavy rains can also be a problem further inland. Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. That's why it's important to have flood insurance. Flood insurance is specifically designed to cover the losses that can occur when your home is flooded.
How Texas Hurricane Insurance Works
Homeowners insurance is one of the most important types of insurance for people to have. Not only does it protect your home and belongings in the event of a fire or theft, but it also helps to cover the cost of repairs if your home is damaged by severe weather. However, in the state of Texas, homeowners insurance alone is not enough to protect against the risk of hurricane damage.
If you live in an area that is susceptible to hurricanes, it is essential to purchase separate hurricane insurance in order to be fully protected. Homeowners, flood, and windstorm insurance work together to protect you and your family from financial devastation following a hurricane. Otherwise, you may find yourself with significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event that your home is damaged by a storm.
Need Help Resolving a Claim?
If you have suffered damage or loss after a storm in your Texas home and are being treated unfairly by the insurance company, contact an experienced insurance claim attorney to protect your legal rights and help maximize your claim. To learn more, contact The Voss Law Firm, P.C. for a free consultation by using our contact form or by calling our office at 888-614-7730. The Voss Law Firm, P.C. has been protecting policyholder’s rights for the past sixteen years, recovering billions of dollars in settlements for our clients. We do not charge a fee unless we win your case.