Review Your Home Insurance for Hurricane Coverage
I’m moving to Austin. Do I need Hurricane insurance for my new home?
The Gulf of Mexico (also known as Gulf of America) and Atlantic Hurricane season began on June 1st and runs through November 30th. Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a sixty percent chance of tropical storms this year.
Even though Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country are inland from the coast by about 200 miles, hurricanes and tropical storms can still indirectly affect the area, with events like flooding, hail, high winds or tornadoes. Central Texas also has sporadic encounters with tornadoes during the warmer months when combined with these storm systems – serving as a reminder we sit on the edge of the region known as Tornado Alley.
The Lone Star State does not mandate homeowners obtain tornado, hurricane, windstorm, or property insurance coverage by law, although if you have a loan on your home or landlord investment the bank will require you have windstorm coverage. Regardless of whether it is required, a home is one of your largest financial investments and it is wise to protect your assets.
What Is Windstorm Insurance?
Windstorm insurance pays to repair or rebuild your home if damaged by a covered peril such as hail or wind, from a tornado, severe thunderstorm, or hurricane. Typically, a standard homeowners’ policy covers wind damage subject to your deductible. However, separate windstorm coverage might be required for comprehensive protection when you live nearer to the coast due to carrier-imposed limitations. Underwriting wind restrictions or adjustments generally occur around the gulf and beach areas. Ask your local Britton and Britton Insurance agent for more details.
Understanding Windstorm Insurance
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) provides separate windstorm and hail insurance for properties located along the coastal regions or areas identified as high-risk. When buying a home in Central Texas insurance requirements are not usually considered high risk. Typically, windstorm insurance specifically covers damage caused by wind and hail events and considered as essential coverage on a standard homeowner policy this far inland.
Hurricane Insurance and Austin Homeowners
While Central Texas is known for being relatively safe from natural disasters compared to coastal regions and the northern panhandle, it does remain vulnerable to hail, flash floods, tornadoes, and severe weather events, including those associated with hurricanes. Has a hurricane hit Austin before? Even though inland, hurricanes and tropical storms can still impact the area, resulting in high winds, hail, and significant flooding. An example is Tropical Storm Hermine in September 2010, which caused extensive wind driven sustained rain, damage and flooding.
Ask your local insurance broker about lender insurance requirements when buying a new home or relocating to Texas.
Resources and References:
- NOAA Hurricane Preparedness
- Homeowners Self Insurance https://www.brittonandbritton.com/what-is-homeowners-self-insurance/\
- Why are home quotes so different? https://www.brittonandbritton.com/why-are-my-home-insurance-quotes-so-different/
At Britton and Britton Insurance Services, we are committed to guiding new homeowners moving to Austin through their insurance options, ensuring they have the right coverage to confidently face any storm. For detailed guidance and personalized consult with an independent insurance agent who understands the unique challenges of insuring homes in hurricane-prone areas of Texas.
Note: Descriptions of insurance products and packages are meant to offer general ideas only, are necessarily brief, and are subject to policy provisions, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and conditions that can only be expressed in the policy itself. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of your policy prevail. This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that we are not providing advice or any other professional services. We shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information.
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