What West Texas Homeowners Should Know

Storm season across Midland, Odessa, and surrounding West Texas communities often brings hail, strong winds, and severe weather.

Before storms arrive, many homeowners take time to review their insurance policy to better understand how their coverage works.

Knowing what to look for in a policy can help homeowners feel more prepared if a storm occurs.

Short Answer

Homeowners often review their insurance policy before storm season by checking coverage amounts, deductibles, and key details related to storm damage.

Understanding these items can help reduce confusion if damage occurs later.

Coverage Amount for the Home

One of the first things homeowners often review is the dwelling coverage amount.

This is the amount listed on the policy for rebuilding or repairing the home.

Some homeowners choose to review:

• whether the coverage reflects current rebuilding costs

• any recent updates or improvements to the home

Because construction costs can change over time, this is an important part of the policy.

Wind and Hail Deductible

In Texas, many policies include a separate wind and hail deductible.

This deductible is often:

• a percentage of the home’s insured value

• higher than a standard deductible

Reviewing this amount can help homeowners understand potential out-of-pocket costs after a storm.

Roof Coverage Details

Some homeowners review how their roof is covered under their policy.

Coverage may vary and can include:

• replacement cost

• actual cash value

• roof payment schedules

Understanding how the roof is covered can help clarify how damage may be handled.

Personal Property Coverage

Homeowners may also review their personal property coverage, which relates to belongings inside the home.

Some choose to consider:

• coverage limits

• special limits for certain items

• overall adequacy of coverage

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is another part of the policy that homeowners often review.

This coverage may apply in situations involving:

• injuries on the property

• certain types of accidents

Coverage amounts can vary depending on the policy.

Recent Updates to the Home

If changes have been made to the home, some homeowners choose to review whether their policy reflects those updates.

This may include:

• a new roof

• renovations or additions

• updated systems

Keeping policy information current can help ensure accurate records.

Why This Matters in West Texas

Storms producing hail and strong winds frequently impact Midland, Odessa, and surrounding West Texas areas.

Because of this, reviewing your policy before storm season can help homeowners better understand their coverage and feel more prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I review my home insurance policy?

Some homeowners choose to review their policy annually or before storm season.

Does my deductible apply to every claim?

Deductibles may apply depending on the type of loss and the policy terms.

Should I update my policy after home improvements?

Some homeowners choose to review their policy after updates to the home to ensure information is current.

What Experts Say

Guidance from the Texas Department of Insurance encourages homeowners to review their policies and understand coverage before a loss occurs.

Research from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety highlights the importance of preparing homes for severe weather risks.

Educational resources from the Insurance Information Institute note that understanding policy details can help homeowners navigate claims more effectively.

Important Note

Because insurance policies, coverages, and deductibles can vary by carrier and endorsements, homeowners should review their individual policy or speak with a licensed insurance professional to understand their specific coverage.

About Killebrew Insurance LLC

This article was prepared by the team at Killebrew Insurance LLC, serving Midland, Odessa, and West Texas.

Our goal is to help homeowners better understand their insurance and feel more prepared before severe weather events.

Questions About Your Coverage?

Killebrew Insurance LLC

Midland Office: 432-694-0508
Odessa Office: 432-332-6322

???? www.killebrewinsurance.com

Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific insurance advice. Coverage may vary by policy, carrier, endorsements, and individual circumstances.