Insurance Policies You Need for Hurricane Season in Texas
With Atlantic hurricane season running June 1 through November 30, Texas homeowners — especially those along the Gulf Coast — need to make sure the right coverage is in place well before the first storm forms. Here is a complete breakdown of what you need.
Homeowners Insurance: Your First Layer of Protection
A standard homeowners policy is the foundation of hurricane preparedness. Standard home insurance policies cover damage that hurricane winds cause, and the Insurance Information Institute recommends that homeowners carry enough coverage to fully rebuild their homes if needed. However, the coverage has limits. Your policy may have a separate deductible specifically for hurricane damage — often a percentage of the home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount — which can mean thousands of dollars out of pocket even when a claim is approved. Reviewing the "Exclusions" and "Duties After Loss" sections of your policy before storm season is critical.
Flood Insurance: Non-Negotiable for Coastal Texas
This is where many Texas homeowners get blindsided. One of the biggest misconceptions is that homeowners' insurance covers flooding, and it doesn't. Flooding from hurricanes, whether because of storm surge or heavy rain, requires a completely separate flood insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program is the most widely available option, but private flood insurance can offer higher limits and faster claims processing. The most important timing detail: there is a 30-day waiting period for new NFIP flood policies, so homeowners must plan well ahead of any approaching storm.
Windstorm Insurance: Essential for Gulf Coast Residents
For Texans living in the 14 coastal counties most exposed to hurricane-force winds, a standard homeowners policy may not provide adequate wind coverage — or any at all. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association offers policies for residents in high-risk coastal areas, but it is crucial to confirm whether your current homeowners policy includes or excludes windstorm coverage before hurricane season begins. TWIA is the insurer of last resort for coastal Texans who cannot find windstorm coverage in the private market.
Renters Insurance: Critical for Texas Tenants
Renters are not off the hook when a hurricane hits. A renters insurance policy covers personal belongings destroyed by wind damage, and most policies also include additional living expenses coverage, paying for hotel stays and temporary housing if a storm makes your rental uninhabitable. Given that average renters' policies in Texas cost as little as $15 to $30 per month, skipping this coverage is a significant financial risk.
Act Before Hurricane Season Starts
Home insurance in Texas costs an average of $4,116 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage — a significant expense, but far less than the cost of recovering from a major hurricane uninsured. After a major hurricane, insurance companies often raise rates or limit coverage options due to financial losses from claims, making it even harder to get covered after the fact. Review all your policies now, confirm your deductibles, and close any coverage gaps before June 1.
