Relocating to West Texas? Here’s what to review before your move.
Moving to a new city comes with plenty of decisions. Whether you’re relocating to Midland, Odessa, or another West Texas community for work, family, or a new opportunity, insurance is one item worth addressing before moving day.
If you’re purchasing a home, you’ll likely need to arrange homeowners insurance before closing. If you’re bringing vehicles with you, your auto insurance information may also need to be updated.
At Killebrew Insurance LLC, we help individuals and families explore available home and auto insurance options in Midland, Odessa, and surrounding West Texas communities.
Quick Answer: What Insurance Should You Review When Moving to Midland or Odessa?
When relocating to Midland or Odessa, consider reviewing your homeowners or renters insurance, auto insurance, liability limits, deductibles, and the insurance requirements associated with your new property.
If you’re moving from another state, you’ll also want to review Texas vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance requirements.
Insurance availability, pricing, coverage, and underwriting requirements vary by company and individual circumstances.
1. Start Your Home Insurance Search Before Closing
If you’re purchasing a home in Midland or Odessa, consider starting the homeowners insurance process once you’re under contract and have sufficient information about the property.
Depending on the insurance company, information needed for a quote may include:
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Property address and anticipated closing date
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Year the home was built
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Square footage and construction details
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Roof age, material, and condition
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Updates to major systems
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Prior claims information, when requested
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Mortgage lender information
Insurance companies may request additional documentation or inspections as part of underwriting.
Starting early may provide more time to review available options and address questions before closing.
2. Understand Wind and Hail Insurance Considerations in West Texas
Midland and Odessa homeowners should pay attention to how their homeowners policies address wind and hail losses.
Not all policies have identical deductibles, coverage provisions, or loss settlement terms.
When comparing options, consider asking:
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What deductible applies to wind or hail losses?
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Is the deductible a percentage or a dollar amount?
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How does the policy address roof losses?
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Are there applicable exclusions, limitations, or special conditions?
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What information does the insurer need about the roof?
A deductible is generally the amount or percentage that may apply to the insured’s portion of a covered loss, subject to the terms, conditions, and provisions of the policy.
Don’t compare homeowners insurance based on premium alone. Review the applicable coverage, deductibles, and policy provisions as well.
3. Moving From Another State? Review Your Auto Insurance
If you’re relocating to Midland or Odessa from another state, you’ll want to review your auto insurance and applicable Texas requirements.
Texas has its own financial responsibility requirements for drivers.
For most drivers, Texas law requires minimum auto liability limits of:
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$30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
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$60,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident
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$25,000 for property damage in one accident
These are commonly called 30/60/25 limits.
The minimum required limits may not be appropriate for every household, and certain drivers or circumstances may be subject to different requirements.
You may also want to review available options for higher liability limits, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, comprehensive and collision coverage, and other optional coverages.
Coverage availability and policy provisions vary.
4. Your New Address May Affect Your Auto Insurance
Your location and vehicle garaging information can be among the factors considered by insurance companies when determining auto insurance eligibility and pricing.
When you move, notify your insurance company or agent of your new address and any relevant changes.
Other information that may need to be reviewed includes:
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Household drivers
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Vehicles
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Where vehicles are principally garaged
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Vehicle usage
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Other changes affecting your insurance information
The effect of a move on your auto insurance depends on the insurance company and your individual circumstances.
5. Should You Compare Home and Auto Insurance Together?
If you’re buying a home in Midland or Odessa, consider reviewing your home and auto insurance options together.
Some insurance companies offer multi-policy discounts for qualifying households.
However, bundling home and auto insurance doesn’t automatically provide the lowest total premium or the most appropriate coverage.
When comparing options, consider the combined cost, coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and other relevant policy provisions.
An independent insurance agency can help discuss options available through the insurance companies it represents.
6. Renting Before You Buy? Don’t Forget Renters Insurance
Not everyone relocating to West Texas purchases a home immediately.
If you’re renting an apartment, house, or other residence in Midland or Odessa, consider reviewing renters insurance.
Renters insurance may provide coverage for certain personal property losses and personal liability exposures, depending on the policy.
A landlord’s insurance generally should not be assumed to cover a tenant’s personal belongings.
Some insurance companies may also offer qualifying multi-policy discounts for renters and auto insurance.
7. Why Work With a Local Independent Insurance Agency?
When you’re moving to a new area, having an insurance agency familiar with the local market can be helpful.
At Killebrew Insurance LLC, we serve customers throughout Midland, Odessa, Midland County, Ector County, and surrounding West Texas communities.
As an independent agency, we represent multiple insurance companies and can discuss available coverage options through the companies we represent.
Insurance options remain subject to eligibility, underwriting requirements, and policy provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I shop for homeowners insurance when moving to Midland or Odessa?
Consider beginning the process once you’re under contract and have sufficient property information. This may allow more time for quotes, underwriting questions, and lender coordination.
Do I need to change my auto insurance when moving to Texas?
You should notify your insurance company or agent of your move and review applicable Texas insurance requirements. Your existing insurer may or may not offer coverage in Texas.
Does Midland or Odessa have different homeowners insurance requirements?
Coverage requirements can depend on your lender, insurance company, property characteristics, and individual circumstances. Wind and hail deductibles and roof provisions are important items to review.
Can I compare home and auto insurance at the same time?
Yes. Reviewing both may help you understand available multi-policy options, total premiums, coverage limits, and deductibles. Discounts and eligibility vary.
Can Killebrew Insurance help someone relocating from another state?
Killebrew Insurance LLC can discuss available Texas home, auto, and renters insurance options through the insurance companies it represents, subject to eligibility and underwriting requirements.
Moving to Midland or Odessa? Let Killebrew Help You Explore Your Insurance Options.
Whether you’re buying a home, renting while you settle in, or bringing vehicles to Texas, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss your insurance needs.
Killebrew Insurance LLC — Your Local Independent Insurance Agency
Midland: 432-694-0508
Odessa: 432-332-6322
Email:
Website: www.killebrewinsurance.com
Helpful Resources
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Texas Department of Motor Vehicles — Vehicle registration information for new Texas residents.
Important Insurance Information
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a guarantee of coverage, pricing, eligibility, underwriting approval, or claims payment. Insurance requirements, coverage, deductibles, exclusions, discounts, policy provisions, and underwriting guidelines vary by company and individual circumstances. Consult the applicable policy documents and a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific needs. Vehicle registration and licensing requirements should be verified with the appropriate Texas authorities.
