Texas is known for many things, including country music and cowboy boots. The state is also known for its storms, ranking third in the country for storm surge risk because of its location along the Gulf of Mexico.

The right insurance policies can help financially protect you from storms and storm damage, and many homeowners seek coverage that offers protection from these natural disasters. Standard homeowners policies include some coverage for damage from extreme weather, but many do not specifically cover losses caused by flooding, windstorms or hurricanes. Hurricane insurance isn’t a specific policy but usually consists of a combination of insurance coverages, including homeowners, flood and windstorm insurance.

Texas doesn’t require hurricane coverage, but you may gain peace of mind knowing your home and belongings are protected if the storms begin to surge.

How Hurricane Coverage Works

Hurricane coverage works similar to how your existing coverage works. But if you only have homeowners insurance, you may not have the coverage needed to repair or replace your home and belongings following a hurricane. Coverage gaps mean you’re left to pay for repair bills out of pocket. Additionally, if you don’t have windstorm coverage, your wallet can take the same hit.

Together, homeowners, flood and windstorm insurance can protect you and your family from financial devastation following a hurricane or storm.

What Insurance Can Help Cover

Understanding the various coverages that you may need can be complex. The best place to begin is with your existing homeowners insurance company if you already have this coverage. Your insurer can help with the policies you need for your home, depending on your location and level of risk.

Types of Insurance Coverage

Homeowners insurance

If you don’t already have this coverage, this insurance can protect your home’s structure from hurricane, wind or lightning damage. Homeowners insurance may also provide coverage for additional living expenses if you temporarily need to live somewhere else if your home is damaged. You need to know your policy’s exclusions and discuss them with your insurance company.

Flood insurance

This insurance may help you cover flooding, storm surge and wind-driven water costs, which your homeowners insurance probably doesn’t cover. If you rent your home, you may also be able to buy this coverage.

Windstorm insurance

Windstorm and hail coverage can sometimes be available as a policy endorsement on your homeowners insurance. However, you can also purchase a standalone windstorm policy from a private insurer or the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

Windstorm insurance can cover your dwelling and personal belongings if they suffer wind or hail damage. In addition, this insurance may also cover water damage if your roof sustains damage during a wind or hailstorm. Be sure to review your policy to understand what your coverage includes.

Sewer backup

Heavy rains and hurricanes can cause sewer backups. Many homeowner insurance policies exclude this protection. Usually, you can add this as an endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy.

Get Protected Today

Hurricanes and storms can cause devastating damage. Insurance provides the financial safety net to help you recover from such a catastrophic event. Be sure to get the insurance coverage you need to safeguard your home and assets.