Is windstorm insurance mandatory in Texas?

Living a risk-free life is invaluable and precious in the state of Texas. Unlike other states with uniform laws and regulations, Texas favors a market-led insurance coverage system with varying degrees of regulations in some counties. Penalties do apply to home and business owners who fail to ensure appropriate certification before or during the construction or renovation of projects with a later attempt to sign up for windstorm insurance. As a concerned homeowner, you don’t want to forget such insurance liability in the nick of time. 

Residents are encouraged to take the coverage with carriers who hold an impressive track record, especially if they live in designated catastrophic zones. ACU Insurance Services in League City, TX is one such professional insurer. However, it is not a state requirement to sign up for the policy. But if you live in a high-risk county, your mortgage lender might request a purchase of the policy before any contractual undertaking.  

What does it cover?

Windstorm insurance covers any direct damage to your home, personal or business property caused by weather effects like hail and wind. If you don’t live in your home for a specific period before the damage, you might lose the coverage. This is usually known as additional living expense coverage. It is essential your house meets specific windstorm certification requirements when building, remodeling, adding-on, re-roofing, or repairing your structure to avoid rejection by insurers.

Before buying your home and entering into any contractual agreement, it is also imperative you check and inspect the property for a windstorm insurance certificate coverage with your insurer or real estate agent. Windstorm insurance in Texas is a sensible contemplation if you live in the coastal region. Though, in some locations, homeowner policies exclude covering storms, wind, hail and other hurricane-related perils. The 14 first-tier coastal counties designated as high wind catastrophe areas include Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Kenedy, Chambers, Kleberg, and Matagorda. Others are Refugio, San Patricio, Willacy, Nueces, Jefferson, and Harris, specifically east of Highway 146. 

Do you live in the greater Houston metropolitan area or in Galveston County and need to know house requirements for windstorm coverage? Contact ACU Insurance Services in League City, TX today for advice or additional information. Our agents will guide you on how to you navigate through the often stormy waters and respond to any of your queries for the appropriate Windstorm insurance. 

 

Why Is a Home Inventory So Important?

Creating a List for your Property

Many people can’t list everything that they own, especially after a disaster that destroys their home. This is why it’s so important to have a home inventory completed because you may have more than you realize

A home inventory for your home in League City, TX, not only helps you determine the value of your possessions so you can make sure that you have enough insurance coverage, but it also helps serve as a list of your personal property in the event that your home is damaged or destroyed. It will also help when the time comes to file an insurance claim. Even if you are renting your home, a home inventory is still important for your renter’s insurance coverage.

When creating your home inventory, add the brand and describe the items, especially on any big items. If you can note a product’s serial number, do so. Keep any receipts with the list to make the claims process easier. Keep receipts with any instruction booklets or warranties that come with the items. Keep the list and any video and photos you have away from your home, so you won’t lose it if your home is damaged. Make sure you update as you purchase any new valuables. It may seem intimidating to do but start somewhere because a partial home inventory list is better than no list at all. Start with big-ticket items and then slowly add smaller items. The more you can add and the more detailed you can be on your list and with your photos, the better.

Once you have your home inventory list, you can decide on how much insurance you need with an agent at ACU Insurance Services. If you have a lot of expensive items, including jewelry, art, furs, or antiques, you will want to ask about additional coverage options.

Contact ACU Insurance Services serving League City, TX, to get a quote on homeowners insurance.