Texas Department Of Insurance - Windstorm Manual
Texas Department of Insurance is offering windstorm coverage to homeowners in the storm preparedness zone. Windstorm insurance is a specific type of homeowner's policy designed to cover damage and loss resulting from windstorm activities. Most insurance companies that issue homeowner's policies do not offer storm insurance. So a person needs to acquire this type of insurance on his/her own.
This type of insurance covers damage caused by hail, wind, snow, ice, or tornado. It does not cover normal property damage caused by fire, vandalism, flood, or lightning. If your home is damaged by a tornado, you will need to contact your insurance provider immediately. If a hail storm occurs, you may have minimal damage to your home due to the nature of hail. Other areas of the country have been known to have extensive damage from tornadoes.
Insurance companies issue hurricane insurance in preparation for the hurricane season, which usually starts in June and ends in September. The hurricane season is considered the worst time for tropical storms and hurricanes in the United States. The high winds and rains associated with hurricanes make it a very dangerous weather event. Some insurance companies issue hurricane insurance even when a hurricane has not formed in the Atlantic Ocean yet. They believe a home is at greater risk of being damaged if they are issued an insurance policy before the storm season officially begins.
Homeowners who purchase a windstorm policy before the hurricane season begins should be prepared for the high winds and rains associated with a hurricane. It is a good idea to get a professional assessment of your home and property before hurricane season starts. Many insurance agents will visit homes before the hurricane season to assess the damage. They will collect information on roof coverage, interior flooding, crawl space moisture levels, and out-of-date documents on flood insurance claims. Once the assessment is complete, the company will issue a policy.
Homeowners must take immediate action following hurricane damage. It is imperative to remove debris and cover all cracks and crevices. It is also important to secure the home to prevent additional damage. If a homeowner does not do these things, they could experience additional damage. In some cases, the Texas Department of Insurance Windstorm Manual actually requires homeowners to remain in their home until the insurance company has completed the repair work.
Before nisscancarinsurance.com , many insurance companies will request insurance verification. This verification can be done by phone or through the Internet. Most insurance companies will provide a toll-free number where a homeowner can call during business hours to obtain more information on insurance requirements for hurricane season. Many insurance companies offer this service free of charge.
Once the hurricane season has begun, most insurance companies will issue a hurricane insurance policy that will cover the cost of rebuilding a home. The policy will also include any out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to damage from the hurricane. In some cases, homeowners will pay to replace personal items such as furniture. As always, it is important to carefully review the contents of a home inventory after a hurricane has hit. Hidden damage that isn't visible on the property inventory could total a home.
When it comes to insurance for hurricane season, being prepared is key. Educating yourself about the insurance policies and procedures will help homeowners stay within the guidelines of their policy and avoid financial difficulties after a hurricane. This includes understanding when it is necessary to file a claim and when it is not. By being proactive, homeowners can avoid the financial consequences of hurricane damage. Being informed about the responsibilities associated with hurricane coverage will give confidence to homeowners as they begin the process of rebuilding their home.