Insurance Tips to Prepare Your Texas Coastal Home for Hurricane Season

As hurricane season approaches, Texas coastal homeowners face the daunting task of verifying that their properties are adequately financially protected against the potential devastation. Proper insurance coverage can be a critical component of this preparation by offering financial security.

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

The following are some essential insurance tips to help you prepare for hurricane season:

• Review your homeowners insurance. Start by reviewing your current homeowners insurance policy. Verify that it covers the full replacement cost of your home. If you’ve made significant improvements or if property values have increased, consider raising your policy limits.

• Consider windstorm coverage. Standard homeowners policies often don’t cover windstorm damage, which is common during hurricanes. You may want to purchase windstorm insurance if you live in a coastal area. Remember, you typically can’t buy or change windstorm coverage once a hurricane is predicted or a hurricane warning or watch has been issued.

• Understand flood insurance. Flooding is a significant risk during hurricanes, and most homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage. Obtain a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance broker. Keep in mind that these policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect, so don’t wait until a storm is imminent.

• Document your property. Create a detailed inventory of your home and belongings. Take photos or videos of each room and the exterior of your home. Store these records in a safe place, such as a cloud storage service, so you can access them if you need to file a claim.

Learn More

For insurance guidance near you, contact Best Insurance Services.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.