Every spring, I start getting calls after the first big hail storm of the season. The pattern is always the same: a homeowner didn't know their hail deductible, assumed their policy covered flooding, or didn't realize their dwelling coverage hadn't kept up with rising rebuild costs.
Don't be that call.
Know Your Hail Deductible Before It Hails
Most Texas homeowners policies include a separate wind and hail deductible — and it's usually a percentage, not a flat dollar amount. That means if your home is insured for $350,000 and your hail deductible is 2%, you'll pay the first $7,000 out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
That's not a small number. And most homeowners have no idea what their number is until they're standing in their driveway staring at a dented car and a ruined roof.
Review your deductible now. Call me if you want to talk through it.
Check Your Dwelling Coverage Against Real Rebuild Costs
Building costs in Texas have risen significantly over the past few years. Labor is up. Materials are up. If your home's dwelling coverage amount hasn't been reviewed recently, there's a real chance you're underinsured — meaning if your home were destroyed, your insurance wouldn't cover the full cost to rebuild it.
This is different from your home's market value. The land doesn't burn. What matters is the cost to rebuild the structure, and that number needs to be current.
Flooding Is a Separate Policy
I say this every year because homeowners are still surprised: your standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance requires a separate policy — either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
Even if you're not in a designated flood zone, Texas is notorious for flash flooding. Areas that have never flooded before have flooded. If you're not sure about your flood risk, let's talk.
Do a Walk-Through Before Storm Season
Before hail season, walk through your property and document everything: photos of your roof, your HVAC equipment, your fencing, any outbuildings. If damage happens, having a before-and-after record makes claims faster and simpler.
One More Thing: My Number
If a storm hits and you don't know what to do — call me. I'll walk you through the claims process personally. That's what a local agent is actually for.