New to Texas - Storm Coverage

It has often been said of Texas, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute... It'll change." This can be a blessing or a curse, depending upon where you are standing at the time. For the most part, of course, Texas is a very pleasant place to live. It can be a little on the hot side in the summertime, but many people from the North like to fly south once a year to take advantage of Texas' mild winters. On occasion, however, Texas home owners are witness to severe storms that threaten to do damage to their beloved dwellings. Texas is a big state, but almost no matter where you live there is the region's feared, seasonal storms. Residents living along the Gulf Coast are threatened by hurricanes; those living in the Hill Country face flooding and thunderstorms; fierce hail storms are not uncommon in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and towns like Amarillo are right up "Tornado Alley."

The point is that disaster can strike anywhere, so you should take measures to ensure your family, your home and your valued possessions are protected when and if it does. Unfortunately, it is not always as easy as simply purchasing a homeowners insurance policy. While it is easy for ones eyes to glaze over a laundry list of storms and disasters listed in ones policy, which may all seem far-fetched at the time, it is a good idea to do the research that can help you uncover the key areas that may not be included.

The following chart provides a brief look at the disasters that are, and the ones that are usually not, covered in standard Texas homeowners insurance policy (courtesy of the Texas Department of Insurance):

Most Policies Cover Losses Caused by	Most Policies Do Not Cover Losses Caused by
Fire and lightning	Flooding
Aircraft & vehicles	Earthquakes
Vandalism and malicious mischief	Termites
Theft	Insects, rats, or mice
Explosion	Freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied (unless you turned off the water or heated the building)
Riot and civil commotion	Wind or hail damage to trees and shrubs
Smoke	Losses if your house is vacant for 60 days or more
Windstorm, hurricane, and hail	Wear and tear or maintenance
Sudden and accidental water damage	Water damage resulting from continuous and repeated seepage

It is a good idea to learn about the distinctions between these types of disasters. For example, many hurricane victims in the recent past incorrectly assumed that coverage for "sudden and accidental water damage" included damage caused by the heavy rains and rising waters of the storm. However, insurance companies definitely interpret such a disaster as flooding. Those who did not purchase flood insurance, therefore, were in many cases left without coverage for their damaged property.

There are several other types of insurance one might consider if you are living in an area at risk of certain types of natural disasters not covered by standard homeowners policies. Hurricane insurance or earthquake insurance can be obtained through special providers. Also, many insurance providers offer "special endorsements" which may be added to a standard policy. Be sure you read the explanations carefully, and if possible, seek the opinion of a third-party.

Texas Auto & Home insurance is eager to assist all those interested in purchasing Texas home owners insurance, and are concerned about what other types of coverage might protect them in case of a natural disaster. Our helpful staff is waiting to answer your questions. Feel free to give us a call if we can assist you in any way.

Continue: Affordable Texas Home Insurance - Part 1 >>