As hurricane season ramps up here in Texas, we begin to update our hurricane planning. It’s time to ask yourself one important question: Is your home insurance hurricane-ready?
From June through November, Gulf Coast residents face the risk of high winds, torrential rain, and flooding. While you can’t stop a storm from coming, you can be prepared — and that starts with making sure your insurance coverage is up to date and built to protect your home.
What Does Home Insurance Typically Cover?
A standard homeowners insurance policy may cover:
· Wind damage to your home including your roof
· Falling trees or debris that damage your home or property
· Temporary living expenses if your home becomes unlivable due to direct storm damage
Your specific policy may vary, plus it’s important to note that flood damage is not covered under most homeowners’ insurance policies.
Why Flood Insurance Matters
Just a few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage. In areas where heavy rains can overwhelm drainage systems or new construction has changed the water run-off patterns, flooding is a risk even outside of designated flood zones.
Flood insurance, whether through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer, can help cover:
· Structural damage
· Personal belongings (depending on your coverage)
· Temporary living expenses if your home is damaged by rising water (with some carriers)
If you want to evaluate the risk of flood to your home and the cost of flood insurance, this is the perfect time to speak with an insurance professional.
Your Hurricane Prep Insurance Checklist
Before the next storm hits, consider the following steps to make sure your coverage is up to date:
· Review your policy’s deductibles, especially for wind and hurricane-related claims. Know what your financial responsibility will be in the case of a claim.
· Update your home inventory with photos, videos, and receipts and keep them somewhere secure.
· Confirm that your policy limits reflect your home’s current value, especially if you have had any updates or add on’s to your home.
· Keep an electronic copy of your policy, claims information and your agent’s information somewhere accessible.
Our team is committed to helping you protect what matters most. If you are unsure about your current policy or want a free coverage review, let’s connect. We will walk you through your options and help you feel confident heading into hurricane season.
Get a quote, ask a question, or schedule a policy review today. Let’s make sure your peace of mind is properly insured.