Windstorm Coverage In Texas

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand Windstorm Coverage: Ensure your homeowners insurance includes protection against wind and hail damage to your home’s structure and belongings.
2. Know Your Deductible: Be aware that in high-risk areas like Houston, deductibles can be 2-3%, which means significant out-of-pocket costs in the event of damage.
3. Be Prepared: Regularly review and update your insurance policy, maintain an emergency fund, and keep an updated home inventory to streamline the claims process.

Last night, Houston, Texas experienced a significant windstorm that left many residents dealing with property damage. As the community begins to recover, it’s an opportune moment to address an essential aspect of homeowner preparedness: wind and hail coverage in homeowners insurance policies. Understanding this coverage can be crucial for safeguarding your property and financial well-being against such natural disasters.

The Impact of the Houston Windstorm

The recent storm brought high winds and hail, causing extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. The storm initially moved northwest around the 290 area, then a strong cell cut southeast, slicing through the 290 corridor to the Heights and eventually reaching downtown Houston. Trees were uprooted, roofs were damaged, and windows shattered. As a native Houstonian, we extend our deepest condolences to the four families who lost loved ones in the storm. In the face of such tragedy, our community’s resilience shines through—Houston strong, we will rebuild.

What is Windstorm and Hail Coverage?

Windstorm and hail coverage is a component of a standard homeowners insurance policy that provides financial protection against damage caused by wind and hail. This coverage typically includes damage to the structure of your home, as well as other structures on your property, such as garages and sheds. Additionally, it often covers personal belongings inside the home, provided the damage is a direct result of wind or hail. Use our quote comparison tool to find the best home insurance coverage for your wind/hail coverage!

Key Features of Windstorm and Hail Coverage

1. Dwelling Coverage: This covers the physical structure of your home, including the roof, walls, and foundation. In the event of wind or hail damage, this part of your policy will help pay for repairs or rebuilding costs.
2. Personal Property Coverage: This aspect protects your personal belongings inside the home, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing. If these items are damaged by wind or hail, your insurance can help replace them.
3. Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home is rendered uninhabitable due to storm damage, ALE can cover the costs of temporary housing and other living expenses while repairs are made.
4. Other Structures Coverage: This includes coverage for structures not attached to your home, such as garages, fences, and sheds.
5. Exclusions and Limitations: It’s crucial to be aware of what your policy does not cover. For example, flood damage, which can sometimes accompany severe storms, is typically not included and requires separate flood insurance.

Understanding Deductibles in Texas

Due to recent loss ratios, most Texas insurance companies are requiring a minimum deductible of 2%, and sometimes even 3%, for homes in high-risk wind areas like Houston. It is important for residents in these areas to understand that even in the event of a loss, having an emergency fund available to cover the deductible is crucial. For a standard $300,000 home with a 2% deductible, the homeowner would need to pay $6,000 out of pocket. At a 3% deductible, that amount increases to $9,000. Knowing your policy’s deductible is imperative to understanding your financial responsibility and making informed decisions about when to file a claim.

How to Ensure Adequate Coverage

1. Review Your Policy Regularly: Make sure your coverage keeps pace with inflation and any home improvements you’ve made.
2. Consider Additional Coverage: Depending on your location and risk factors, you might need endorsements or separate policies, such as flood insurance.
3. Conduct a Home Inventory: Keep an updated inventory of your belongings, including photos and receipts, to streamline the claims process.
4. Consult with Your Insurance Agent: They can help tailor your policy to meet your specific needs and explain any changes or updates.
5. Get Quotes using a comparison engine tool: At shoptexasinsurance.com we have a tool that allows you to get multiple different quotes prepared at the click of a button!

Filing a Claim After a Windstorm

If you experience wind or hail damage, follow these steps to file a claim:

1. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of all affected areas and items.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify them as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
3. Make Temporary Repairs: Prevent further damage by making temporary repairs, such as covering broken windows or tarping a damaged roof. Keep receipts for any expenses incurred.
4. Work with Adjusters: An insurance adjuster will assess the damage and help determine the payout. Provide them with all necessary documentation and cooperate fully.

Emergency Preparedness for Windstorms, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes

Develop an Emergency Plan: Having a well-thought-out emergency plan is essential for ensuring the safety of you and your family during windstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Your plan should include:

• Communication Strategy: Designate a safe meeting place and ensure all family members know how to contact each other. Consider having an out-of-town relative or friend as a point of contact in case local communication is disrupted.
• Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area. Plan for various scenarios, including different routes and transportation options.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, family members, and friends, in your emergency kit.

Seek Shelter in an Interior Room: During a severe storm, it’s crucial to seek shelter in a safe location within your home:

• Interior Room: Choose a small, windowless room on the lowest level of your home, such as a bathroom, closet, or basement. This room should be away from exterior walls and windows to protect against flying debris.
• Protective Measures: Use heavy furniture, mattresses, or blankets to cover yourself. If possible, keep a helmet nearby to protect your head from injury.

Emergency Food and Water Supply: Prepare for the possibility of losing power and access to clean water during a storm:

• Food Supply: Stock up on non-perishable food items that do not require cooking, such as canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits, and nuts. Aim for at least a three-day supply per person.
• Water Supply: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This water is essential for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
• Additional Supplies: Include a manual can opener, eating utensils, and paper plates. Ensure you have a supply of essential medications, hygiene products, and baby or pet supplies if needed.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Emergency Kit: Assemble a comprehensive emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and extra clothing and blankets.
• Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates from reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Backup Power: If possible, invest in a portable generator to provide power for essential appliances during an outage. Ensure you know how to use it safely and have extra fuel stored in accordance with safety guidelines.

By having an emergency plan, seeking shelter in a safe location, and maintaining an emergency food and water supply, you can significantly increase your preparedness and resilience against windstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Stay informed, stay safe, and be ready to protect your home and loved ones from the unpredictable forces of nature.

Conclusion

The recent windstorm in Houston serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. Understanding your wind and hail coverage is a critical component of that preparedness. By reviewing and updating your homeowners insurance policy, you can ensure that you are adequately protected against the financial impact of future storms. As we extend our condolences to the affected families, let us also stand united and resilient—Houston strong, we will rebuild. Stay informed, stay prepared, and protect your home and family from the unpredictable forces of nature.

FAQs

1. What does windstorm and hail coverage typically include in a homeowners insurance policy?

Windstorm and hail coverage generally includes protection for the structure of your home, personal belongings, additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable, and other structures on your property. Review your policy to understand the specific details and limits.

2. Why are windstorm deductibles in Texas often higher, and what should homeowners be aware of?

Due to recent loss ratios, many Texas insurers require higher windstorm deductibles, often 2% to 3% of the home’s insured value. Homeowners should know their deductible and maintain an emergency fund to cover potential out-of-pocket costs.

3. How can I ensure that my homeowners insurance policy provides adequate protection against windstorm and hail damage?

Regularly review and update your coverage, consider additional endorsements for risks not covered by your standard policy, and keep an updated home inventory. Consult with your insurance agent to tailor your policy to your specific needs.