Most Texans are familiar with the expression “everything’s bigger in Texas,” but they may not know it can apply to the state’s storm ranking. Texas ranks third in the country for storm surge risk because of its location along the Gulf of Mexico. This increased likelihood of hurricane and storm damage makes it crucial that residents of Rio Grande Valley have the right insurance to protect them from dangerous stormy weather.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include some coverage for extreme weather damage. However, many policies don’t cover losses caused by flooding, windstorms or hurricanes. Additional insurance is needed to give homeowners this needed protection.
What Is Hurricane Insurance?
Hurricane insurance isn’t a specific policy but a combination of coverages, including homeowners, flood and windstorm insurance. Knowing that your home and belongings are protected if the storms begin to surge, you can have peace of mind.
Hurricane damage usually is caused by water and wind. These are two separate insurance policies you need to ensure you have adequate hurricane coverage.
· Flood insurance typically covers damage to your home due to various water overflows, including a hurricane storm surge or a heavy downpour that accumulates faster than it can drain.
· Windstorm insurance, often referred to as a wind/hail deductible, applies to damage from hurricanes, tornadoes and other strong winds.
This combination of coverages can protect you and your family from financial devastation following a hurricane or storm. Even if you are a renter and don’t own your home, flood insurance may be an invaluable purchase, particularly if you reside in a house or first-floor apartment.
Sometimes your renters insurance may not cover wind damage if you live in a high-risk area. Contact your insurance agent to see if you can add this coverage.
Is Other Coverage Beneficial?
Additional policy coverage that also may be a worthwhile investment is sewer backup coverage. These backups are common with heavy rains and hurricanes, and many homeowner insurance policies exclude this protection. Usually, you can add this as an endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy.
Hurricanes and storms are devastating, and the proper insurance coverage for your particular living situation can give you the financial safety net you need to recover when another damaging storm hits landfall in Texas.
Raymond Longoria Insurance can help you safeguard your home or rental with the right coverage for a catastrophic event such as a hurricane. Call our agents to learn more about hurricane and storm coverage.
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.