Does Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage in Texas?
When hurricane season hits Texas, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is — does insurance cover hurricane damage? The answer isn’t always simple because coverage depends on the type of insurance policy you have. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t before the next storm arrives.
Homeowners Insurance and Hurricane Damage
A standard homeowners insurance policy in Texas usually covers wind damage caused by hurricanes or tropical storms. This includes roof repairs, broken windows, and other structural damage caused by strong winds.
However, flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. If rising water or storm surge floods your home, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
Understanding Hurricane Deductibles
In Texas, many insurance companies apply a hurricane or windstorm deductible, which is usually higher than your regular deductible. Instead of a fixed dollar amount, it’s a percentage of your home’s insured value—typically between 2% and 5%.
For example, if your home is insured for $400,000 and you have a 3% hurricane deductible, you’ll pay $12,000 out of pocket before your insurance starts covering the remaining costs.
Flood Insurance – Essential for Coastal Texas
If you live in or near coastal areas like Houston, Galveston, or Corpus Christi, having flood insurance is highly recommended. Flooding from hurricanes can cause major damage, and without a flood policy, you’ll be responsible for all repair costs yourself.
Flood insurance covers storm surge, heavy rainfall, and overflowing rivers, helping protect your home and belongings. You can purchase it through FEMA’s NFIP or from private insurance providers.
Windstorm Insurance for Coastal Counties
In some Texas coastal counties, standard homeowners insurance excludes wind and hail coverage. If this is the case, you can buy a separate windstorm insurance policy through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
TWIA helps homeowners get coverage for wind damage caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes when private insurers don’t provide it.
What Hurricane Damage Is Usually Covered
If you have homeowners, flood, and windstorm insurance, you’ll likely be covered for most hurricane-related damage. This can include:
- Roof and window damage from strong winds
- Structural damage caused by falling trees or debris
- Rainwater entering through wind-damaged openings
- Loss of personal belongings (depending on your policy)
- Temporary housing costs if your home is unlivable after the storm
What’s Not Covered
Even with multiple policies, some types of damage might still not be covered. These include:
- Flooding without a flood insurance policy
- Damage from poor maintenance or wear and tear
- Power outages that spoil food or damage appliances (unless added as extra coverage)
- Business losses from home-based work without separate business insurance
Tips to Prepare Before Hurricane Season
Before hurricane season begins (June to November), take time to:
- Review your insurance policies to understand your coverage
- Take photos and videos of your property for proof in case you need to file a claim
- Bundle flood and windstorm insurance for full protection
- Check your deductible so you’re financially ready for out-of-pocket expenses
- Store important documents safely, either in a waterproof box or digital cloud storage
Key Takeaway
In Texas, standard homeowners insurance alone doesn’t fully cover hurricane damage. You’ll need a combination of homeowners, flood, and possibly windstorm insurance for full protection. With the right coverage, you can protect your property, reduce financial stress, and recover faster after a hurricane. Talk to your Javed Law Firm today to review your policy and close any coverage gaps before the next storm hits.
FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricanes in Texas?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies in Texas cover wind damage caused by hurricanes. However, they do not cover flood damage, which requires a separate flood insurance policy.
Is flood insurance required in Texas?
Flood insurance isn’t required by law for everyone, but if you live in a high-risk flood zone (especially near the coast), your mortgage lender may require it. It’s highly recommended for anyone living in hurricane-prone areas.
What is a hurricane deductible in Texas?
A hurricane deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering hurricane-related damage. It’s usually 2% to 5% of your home’s insured value, not a fixed amount.
