November 4, 2024
When a storm enters the gulf, it’s too late to ask: ‘Do I have enough insurance?’
Once a named storm enters the gulf, most insurance companies, including the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), stop selling new policies or making changes to existing ones.
That means you can’t wait until a storm is approaching to think about your insurance coverage, because you won’t be able to buy or change it then!
Of course, this is especially critical for Texans with homes near the Gulf Coast. But the effects of a hurricane, like flooding and tornado force winds, can extend well beyond the coast.
Which leads us to another key point, flood insurance. Most home policies don’t pay for damage from rising flood waters. Most people buy flood coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program. And unless you’re buying coverage for a new home, these policies don’t go into effect until 30 days after you buy them.
So again, you can’t wait until a storm is coming to ask: “Am I covered?”
Learn more
- Hurricane season: How to prepare your home and property
- Texas summer storm safety
- Hurricane Preparation Fact Sheet
September 9, 2024
How to prepare for a hurricane or tropical storm
Hurricanes and tropical systems can bring strong winds and rain. Here’s how you can prepare:
1. Invest in a weather radio
Have a way to get updates if cell services or power lines go down. Many weather radios now work as backup power banks with ports to plug in your phone and with solar and crank handles to recharge the battery.
2. Add your agent to your phone contacts
Put your agent and insurance company in the contact list on your phone. Make copies of important documents, such as your policy’s declaration page and auto and health ID cards and email them to yourself so you can get to them if you have to evacuate.
3. Prepare your home
- Remove dead tree limbs and branches that hang over your house.
- Check for items that can become windborne, such as yard furniture or trampolines, and tie them down or bring them inside.
- Clean gutters to let the water drain faster.
- Close doors to keep your roof on.
- If you plan on using a generator if the power goes out, make sure you have enough fuel. If you haven’t used it in a while, make sure it starts.
4. Be ready to evacuate
- Pack a bag with your insurance policies, home inventory, health plan cards, medication, water, and food in case you need to leave your house.
- If you have pets, make sure you have their vaccination records, food, water, leash, collar, tags, and crate.
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Plan an evacuation and a backup evacuation route.
- Let family members know where you’ll meet if you need to evacuate.
5. Listen to the news
Follow any evacuation orders from your local government.
Learn more
- Before the storm
- Home inventory (video)
- How to safely use a portable generator (video)
- How to prepare for hurricane season (video)
- Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Disaster information page
July 19, 2024
Hit by Beryl? What FEMA covers, how to apply
Do you have repairs or extra expenses from Hurricane Beryl?
Homeowners and renters with damage or other storm-related costs not covered by insurance can apply for federal disaster assistance. FEMA may cover expenses beyond repairs to your home, such as:
- Temporary housing.
- Storm damage repair for your primary vehicle.
- Extra childcare expenses.
- Replacement medications or medical supplies.
Get more information online about FEMA aid to Texans.
Texans with damage from Hurricane Beryl have to apply for FEMA assistance for Disaster Number 4798, even if they applied for or received assistance for the derecho or spring storms (Disaster Number 4781).
To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.
Active FEMA disaster declarations
- DR-4798-TX includes damage from Hurricane Beryl for July 5-9.
Learn more
- FEMA’s I Applied for Assistance. What's Next?
- Steps to getting your home or car insurance claim paid
- Insurance tips after Hurricane Beryl
May 24, 2024
Experts predict an active hurricane season. Use our tips to prepare.
Texas has been hit by more than 25 major hurricanes
over the years (NOAA illustration).
Click on image to enlarge
Texas and the U.S. could be in for a busy hurricane season.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that 17 to 25 named storms could develop over the Atlantic Ocean during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Eight to 13 of the storms could develop into hurricanes, NOAA says, four to seven of them major storms.
Colorado State University experts expect 17 named storms, including 11 hurricanes, five of them major storms. They warn there’s an 70% chance that a named storm hits Texas this hurricane season.
The good news is that Texans have time now to prepare.
Some tips:
- Consider buying flood insurance. Flood damage isn’t usually covered by your home insurance. Don’t wait long: It typically takes 30 days for flood policies to take effect.
- Write a family disaster plan. Start on the TexasReady.gov website
- Decide where and how far you’ll go if you evacuate.
- Build a “go kit” with food, medicine, clothes, pet food, and other vital supplies.
- Make a room-by-room home inventory. This could help later if you file a claim.
Learn more
Plan to be safe before a hurricane hits Texas
Hurricane season: How to prepare your home and property
Flood insurance: Why you need a policy
May 9, 2024
Hurricane season starts in May? Prepare now.
Hurricane season starts June 1, right?
Maybe officially, but not anymore, according to Dan Reilly, a Texas-based National Weather Service meteorologist. “In most of the recent years, we’ve had many storms, before June” Reilly said. “So, in reality, I would say hurricane season probably starts in May.”
Protect your family and property by preparing now.
A few tips:
- Make or update your home inventory. Take pictures or videos of each room in your home. For major items, write down the serial number, what you paid, and date you bought it. Don’t forget to get a video of items inside closets and drawers. Having a home inventory is one of the best things you can do to make sure you get the value of your claim.
- Have an emergency kit packed and ready to go. Set aside 3 gallons of water per person, enough to last three days. Also pack non-perishable food, a can opener and utensils, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and extra batteries. See a full kit list at ready.gov. Put some water and food supplies in your car too, just in case.
- Check your roof. Damaged shingles or leaks around chimneys or skylights will get worse in a storm. Have a professional secure loose shingles and check the metal flashing around openings or on roof valleys for leaks.
- Get your yard ready. Remove dead tree limbs and branches that hang over your house. Check for loose items that can become windborne such as yard furniture or trampolines. Tie them down.
For more tips, watch the Texas Insurance podcast.
Learn more
- Hurricane season: How to prepare your home and property
- Plan to be safe before a hurricane hits Texas
- Flood insurance: Why you need a policy
- Before the storm
August 3, 2023
Coastal Texans can turn to TWIA for hail, windstorm coverage
In August 1970, Hurricane Celia slammed ashore at Corpus Christi, killing and injuring residents and leaving previously unheard-of hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
In response to insurance companies increasing rates or no longer selling wind and hail coverage along the Gulf Coast, state lawmakers in 1971 launched the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
TWIA continues to serve as the wind and hail insurer of last resort for property owners in Texas’ 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County. TWIA currently backs more than 237,000 policies.
If you live in a coastal community, read your homeowners policy to see if it covers hail and wind damage. If not, contact your insurance agent to see what options you have for coverage.
Eric Casas, TWIA ombudsman at the Texas Department of Insurance, cautions against assuming you can go without wind or hail coverage just because your home hasn’t been hit by a terrible storm. And if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have windstorm coverage.
Hear more tips about protecting your home from hail and wind damage in this episode of the Texas Insurance Podcast.
Learn more
- What is windstorm insurance?
- Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
- Homeowners, flood, and wind and hail policies: Know how they work
- What you need to know about windstorm inspections
May 2, 2023
Plan to be safe before a hurricane hits Texas
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) regularly leads the state’s response to natural disasters including summer storms and hurricanes.
It also wants Texans to plan ahead to stay safe.
For instance, it’s a good idea to keep emergency “go kits”— basic disaster supplies including food, water, medicine, clothes, and other vital items — in your home, office, and car.
Also wise: Settle with family members ahead of time where you’re going to go if a bad storm hits. And if you think you might need flood insurance, shop before you hear a scary weather forecast. It takes 30 days for a flood policy to take effect.
View podcast Q&A: How to prepare for hurricane season
Learn more
- Hurricane season: How to prepare your home and property
- Flood insurance: Why you need a policy
- Before the storm
- Texas Ready disaster supply checklist
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