Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and every year Texas coastal homeowners face the same question: are we ready? The best time to prepare is before a storm is in the Gulf. Once a hurricane threatens the coast, insurers, including the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), can stop writing new policies until the threat passes. Use this checklist to get your insurance, paperwork, and home ready early.
1. Review your insurance before the season starts
- Confirm you have wind and hail coverage. Many homeowners policies in the Texas coastal counties exclude wind and hail. Check your declarations page for a windstorm exclusion. If you see one, you need a separate windstorm policy. Learn more about Texas windstorm insurance.
- Buy flood insurance now. Neither homeowners nor windstorm insurance covers flooding or storm surge. A National Flood Insurance Program policy usually has a 30-day waiting period, so waiting until a storm forms is too late.
- Check your coverage amounts. Rebuilding costs have risen. Make sure your dwelling coverage would actually rebuild your home today.
- Know your deductibles. Coastal wind deductibles are often a percentage of your dwelling coverage. On a $300,000 home, a 2% deductible is $6,000. Set aside savings to cover it.
2. Gather your important documents
- Policy numbers and claim phone numbers for your homeowners, windstorm, and flood insurers
- Your home's WPI-8 certificates for the original construction and any roof replacement or addition
- A home inventory with photos or video of each room, closets, the garage, and the roof
- Receipts for major purchases and recent improvements
Store copies in the cloud and in a waterproof bag you can take with you if you evacuate.
3. Protect your home
- Have your roof inspected and fix loose shingles, flashing, or damaged decking. If you replace the roof, make sure the contractor arranges the windstorm inspection.
- Trim trees and remove dead limbs near the house.
- Install or test storm shutters or impact-rated window protection.
- Reinforce garage doors, one of the most common failure points in high winds.
- Clean gutters and downspouts so heavy rain can drain.
- Plan where you will secure patio furniture, grills, and yard items when a storm approaches.
4. Make a family plan
- Know your evacuation zone and route.
- Build an emergency kit with water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and cash.
- Plan for pets and for anyone who needs extra help.
- Keep your car's gas tank at least half full during the season.
5. When a storm is coming
Take fresh photos of your home inside and out, bring in outdoor items, close shutters, and follow local officials' evacuation instructions. After the storm, report damage as soon as it is safe and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
Get your coverage in place before the next storm
We help homeowners across the Texas coast compare private windstorm carriers and TWIA, and make sure homeowners, wind, and flood coverage work together. Don't wait until a storm is in the Gulf. Request a windstorm quote today.