There’s nothing quite like storm season (aka Hurricane Season) in Texas. As we look forward to the fun summer months, we also have to plan for the inevitable storms. You might be ready, but is your home insurance policy? Take a few moments to walk through the essentials and you may want to consider talking to your agent about that so you can focus on the things that really matter.
Essential coverage areas in homeowners’ insurance
When it comes to your homeowner's insurance, the main focus with storm prep is going to be in double-checking that you have coverage from the possible complications that the storms can bring.
As you might already know, some storm damage is going to be covered in your classic homeowner’s policy. This includes wind and hail damage, water damage from roof leaks or damaged pipes, and damage from flying debris. Since all of these are common when a storm sets in, this is great protection to have.
Homeowner’s policies also cover living expenses if you were to be pushed out of your home due to damage that needs to be repaired before you can move back in.
Extra protection to think about
That being said, there is more damage that can occur, and this kind of damage isn’t automatically covered within homeowner’s policies. Let’s take a look at some of the most important areas.
Flooding
While water leaks are covered, even if the storm caused them, actual flooding is not. Since Texan storms bring tons of rain, and that can cause localized flooding, it’s all too easy for homes to become flooded. If you are concerned about flooding, you can add flood insurance to your policy. Keep in mind there is a waiting period... so getting it the week before isn't going to help. Plan ahead, get it now.
Windstorm coverage
This isn’t a trick! In most places, wind coverage is included in a classic homeowner’s policy, particularly because windstorms are “side effects” of storms. However, windstorms in coastal areas are another storm. Windstorms are classified differently and require protection from an insurance standpoint.
Mold and its damage
In good ol’ Texas, mold can set in quickly and be hard to shake. If you have even the smallest amount of water damage, mold can set in and cause expensive, stubborn problems! Mold damage and removal often isn’t covered in classic insurance, so you’ll want to consider mitigating as soon as possible and talk to your insurance agent about any possible options.
With all of these, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to insurance, and especially so when it comes to the possible limits. You don’t want to find out after the fact!
Double-check your policy
Even if you have protection from any or all of these additional coverage areas, you can still use this as a good reminder to meet with your local insurance agent like My Harbour Insurance and get familiar with deductibles, exclusions, and more. You can also use this as a springboard to update your policy regarding any changes in your possessions, family situation, and more.
You deserve to have peace of mind as you prepare for the storm season, and putting these reminders to work will help you do just that!
Contact us at (281) 520-4090 or get a Free Quote here, today.