Not Protected By Home Insurance in Texas
Water-Related Exclusions
Standard Texas homeowners' policies contain significant water damage exclusions. Flooding, defined as rising water from outside sources, including excessive rainfall, overflowing rivers, or storm surge, receives no coverage regardless of cause or severity. Even hurricane-driven flooding remains excluded despite wind coverage for the same storm. Groundwater seepage entering through foundation walls or floors lacks protection, particularly relevant in Texas's clay soil regions experiencing seasonal expansion and contraction. Sewer backup and water line failures outside the home's foundation typically remain excluded without specific endorsements. These water exclusions represent the most significant coverage gaps for Texas homeowners, particularly as climate change increases flooding frequency beyond traditional flood zones.
Earth Movement Limitations
Texas policies exclude damage from various causes of earth movement despite the state's increasing seismic activity. Earthquake damage receives no coverage under standard policies despite rising tremor frequency in north and west Texas regions associated with wastewater injection wells. Sinkholes, landslides, and earth settlements affecting foundations remain excluded regardless of whether they are triggered by natural or man-made causes. Soil expansion and contraction damage, particularly common in Texas's clay soil regions during drought-rain cycles, lacks coverage despite causing significant foundation problems statewide. These exclusions leave Texas homeowners exposed to substantial foundation repair costs, frequently reaching $10,000-$30,000.
Maintenance-Related Issues
Damages resulting from inadequate maintenance receive no insurance protection under Texas policies. Mold remediation faces strict limitations or complete exclusions despite Texas's humidity, which creates favorable growth conditions. Termite, insect, and rodent damage—significant concerns in Texas's warm climate—remain universally excluded as preventable maintenance issues. Wear and tear, deterioration, and mechanical breakdowns of home systems receive no coverage regardless of property age. Roof leaks that develop gradually over time, rather than from sudden storm damage, typically face denial. These maintenance exclusions frequently create coverage disputes when determining whether damage resulted from sudden, covered events versus excluded gradual deterioration.
Texas-Specific Coverage Gaps
Texas homeowners face several state-specific insurance limitations. Wind/hail damage in designated coastal counties usually requires separate windstorm insurance through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association rather than standard homeowners coverage. Wildfire protection may face limitations or increased deductibles in high-risk regions experiencing Texas's expanding wildfire threat. Liability protection for unusual Texas exposures like exotic pet ownership, oil and gas activities on residential property, or home-based agricultural operations typically requires specialized coverage beyond standard policies. Litigated claims face statutory limitations under Texas Insurance Code Section 542A, which restricts attorney involvement and recovery options in residential property claims. These Texas-specific gaps require careful policy review beyond standard exclusion analysis.