Natural Disasters Not Covered by Home Insurance in Texas
Homeowners in Texas face a wide range of natural disasters. From hurricanes and floods to wildfires and tornadoes, Texas has experienced many disasters, including an earthquake on a minor scale. While a standard homeowners insurance policy offers broad protection, it doesn’t cover every type of catastrophe. Knowing which disasters are excluded from coverage is essential to avoid financial surprises when the unexpected occurs.
Flooding
Flood damage isn't covered under standard home insurance in Texas. This includes damage caused by overflowing rivers, heavy rain, storm surges, and flash floods. Given that Texas ranks among the top states for flood risk—especially in coastal and low-lying areas—homeowners are strongly encouraged to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private provider.
Earthquakes and Sinkholes
Texas is not known for frequent seismic activity, but earthquakes and sinkholes do happen, particularly in areas near oil and gas drilling. Unfortunately, damage from earthquakes and ground movement, including sinkholes or land subsidence, is excluded from most standard policies. To obtain protection, homeowners must purchase a separate earthquake endorsement or policy.
Windstorm and Hurricane Damage (in Some Areas)
In parts of coastal Texas, especially in designated catastrophe zones, windstorm and hurricane damage may not be included in standard home insurance policies. Homeowners in these areas often need to buy separate windstorm insurance through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) to ensure protection from wind-related damage caused by hurricanes or tropical storms.
Mold Resulting from Uncovered Disasters
Mold damage is generally not covered if it stems from a cause that isn’t covered in your policy, like flooding or long-term neglect. While some mold resulting from sudden, covered water leaks (like a burst pipe) might be included, mold caused by floodwaters, poor drainage, or high humidity usually is not.
Gradual Damage from Natural Wear
Natural wear and tear over time, like roof deterioration from constant sun exposure or erosion, is not considered a covered peril. Insurance only covers sudden and accidental losses, not damage that occurs gradually due to neglect or long-term natural forces.
Conclusion
While Texas homeowners' insurance covers many common perils, it leaves out critical natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and sometimes windstorms. To solidify full protection, homeowners should review their policy carefully and consider securing additional coverage for excluded risks. Understanding what’s not covered is just as imperative as knowing what is.