Hurricane Season in Texas: Preparing Your Property Insurance Before Disaster Strikes
August signals the beginning of peak hurricane season across the Gulf Coast. While tropical systems can develop any time from June through November, the months of August through October historically produce the most intense and frequent hurricanes affecting Texas. For Houston homeowners and business owners, now is the critical time to review insurance coverage, identify potential gaps, and ensure your property is adequately protected before the next major storm makes landfall.
The first step is to locate your homeowner’s or commercial property insurance policy and review it carefully. Many policyholders discover coverage gaps only after a loss occurs. Specifically, examine: the dwelling coverage limit (does it reflect the current replacement cost of your home?), the deductible amount (are you prepared to pay this amount out of pocket?), whether windstorm and hail coverage is included or excluded, whether flood damage is covered (standard homeowner policies exclude flood — you need a separate flood policy), and any sublimits that may apply to specific categories of damage such as mold or water intrusion.
Texas homeowners should be aware that windstorm and hail coverage is often excluded from standard homeowner policies in coastal areas and high-risk zones. In these regions, coverage is provided through the Texas FAIR Plan or the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), which offers windstorm and hail coverage as a separate policy. If you live in a coastal county or in Harris County, verify whether you have windstorm coverage and whether it is adequate.
Flood coverage is particularly important in the Houston area, where tropical storms frequently produce catastrophic rainfall and flooding. Standard homeowner policies exclude flood damage entirely. If you live in a flood-prone area or have a mortgage through a federally regulated lender, you are likely required to carry flood insurance. If you are not required to carry it, you should still consider purchasing a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. The cost is modest compared to the potential loss.
Beyond policy review, take steps now to physically prepare your property. Have your roof inspected by a licensed roofer to identify and repair any vulnerabilities. Trim tree branches that could damage your home in high winds. Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning properly. Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows if feasible. Photograph and document the condition and contents of your home — this documentation will be invaluable if you need to file a claim after a hurricane.
About the Author: Jonathon G. Nixon is the managing attorney of Nixon Law PLLC, a Houston-based litigation firm focused on property insurance disputes, construction defects, personal injury, and commercial litigation. Contact Nixon Law PLLC at (713) 482-1523 or jnixon@nixon-law.com.