Houston homeowners may file claims for many reasons, but the top three most frequent causes of damage claims include:
- Wind and hail: Windstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes can cause wind-related damage to your home. Texas also experienced more major hail events in 2022 than any other state in the country, according to data from State Farm. Using hail-resistant materials for your roof can reduce the severity of the damage you experience from a hailstorm.
- Water: Storm-related floods or burst water pipes commonly cause water damage to homes in Houston.
- Accidental or deliberate: Non-weather-related events, such as vandalism or accidents, can damage your home.
You can protect your home and personal property further by purchasing insurance coverage not typically included in standard policies, such as flood protection. Be sure to clarify policy exclusions with each potential insurer when shopping for quotes to ensure you purchase the coverage you need.
Recommended Home Insurance Coverage in Houston
Standard HO-3 homeowner policies may differ by carrier. Most home insurance companies in Texas, however, include the following areas of coverage:
- Dwelling: Pays for covered damage to your home
- Loss of use: Pays for additional living expenses if you’re unable to remain in your home while it is being repaired after a covered event
- Medical payments: Pays medical bills if a guest is hurt on your property
- Other structures: Pays for covered repairs on structures not attached to your home, including fences, storage buildings and detached garages
- Personal liability: Pays for liabilities if you are legally responsible for injuring someone else or damaging their property
- Personal property: Pays for covered damage to your belongings, such as clothing and furniture
Covered loss may include damage caused by fire and lightning, accidental water or smoke damage, explosions, theft, civil commotion, vandalism, vehicles and aircraft.
Living in Houston poses some unique risks because of the above-average rate of natural disasters that occur in the area. We recommend purchasing additional homeowners insurance coverage options to mitigate these risks. Suggested endorsements include:
- Replacement cost coverage
- Flood insurance
- Windstorm and hail coverage
- Specific coverage for high-value belongings
- Foundation damage coverage
- Additional liability coverage
A qualified insurance agent can help you decide which options you need and the amount of coverage you should include.
