An Insurance Guide for Families Moving to the Permian Basin
Moving to Midland or Odessa, Texas comes with a long list of things to take care of—from finding a home and changing utilities to updating vehicle information and insurance.
Insurance may be something you already have, but moving to West Texas can be a good time to review both your home and auto insurance.
Whether you’re moving across Texas or relocating to the Permian Basin from another state, starting the insurance conversation before the last minute may give you more time to understand your options.
Short Answer
If you’re moving to Midland, Odessa, Midland County or Ector County, consider reviewing your home and auto insurance before or during your move.
Insurance rates, eligibility, underwriting requirements, deductibles and available coverage options can vary by insurance company, property and individual circumstances.
If you’re purchasing a home, beginning the homeowners insurance process before closing may also provide more time to address questions or underwriting requirements.
1. Don’t Assume Your Current Insurance Will Be the Same After You Move
A move can change information relevant to your insurance.
For example, your:
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Home address
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Property characteristics
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Vehicle garaging location
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Household information
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Coverage needs
may change.
If you’re moving, consider notifying your insurance company or agent and providing requested information so your policies can be reviewed and updated when appropriate.
2. Buying a Home? Start the Insurance Process Early
If you’re purchasing a home in Midland or Odessa, consider beginning the homeowners insurance process once you’re under contract and have enough information about the property.
Depending on the insurance company and home, additional information may be requested about:
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Roof age
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Year built
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Square footage
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Construction
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Property updates
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Other home characteristics
Starting before the last minute gives you more time to gather requested information and compare available options.
3. Roof Information Can Be Important in West Texas
West Texas homeowners are familiar with severe weather, including hail and wind.
Insurance companies may have underwriting requirements related to a home’s roof, including factors such as age, material or condition.
If the home you’re purchasing has had a roof replacement, consider obtaining available documentation and providing information requested by your insurance agent or company.
Roof eligibility, underwriting and coverage provisions vary by insurance company and policy.
4. Understand Your Home Insurance Deductibles
Don’t compare homeowners insurance based only on premium.
Review the deductibles shown on each option you’re considering.
Depending on the policy, different deductibles may apply to different types of losses.
Understanding the deductibles before selecting coverage can help you make a more informed comparison.
5. Remember Your Auto Insurance
Moving isn’t just about homeowners insurance.
Your new location and other rating or underwriting information may affect your auto insurance.
Consider reviewing:
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Liability limits
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Comprehensive and collision coverage
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Deductibles
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Uninsured/underinsured motorist options
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Personal injury protection options
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Rental reimbursement
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Roadside or towing options
Coverage availability, pricing and policy provisions vary by insurance company.
6. Consider Comparing Home & Auto Together
A move can be a convenient opportunity to look at your entire insurance picture.
Some insurance companies offer multi-policy discounts to eligible households that place qualifying home and auto policies with the same company.
However, bundling isn’t automatically the best option for every household.
Compare the total premium, coverage, deductibles, available discounts and policy features when considering your options.
7. Why Work With a Local Independent Insurance Agency?
People moving to a new area may appreciate having a local insurance professional who understands the community and can answer questions about available insurance options.
An independent insurance agency may represent multiple insurance companies rather than only one.
At Killebrew Insurance LLC, we can discuss available options through the insurance companies we represent, subject to eligibility and underwriting requirements.
Insurance Considerations in the Permian Basin
Midland and Odessa are unique communities.
Weather, roofs, property characteristics, rebuilding costs and insurance-company underwriting requirements can all be considerations when insuring a West Texas home.
Rather than assuming the insurance you had somewhere else will look exactly the same after your move, consider reviewing your policies based on your new circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I shop for home insurance if I’m moving to Midland or Odessa?
If you’re purchasing a home, consider beginning the insurance process once you’re under contract and have enough property information to request quotes. The amount of time required varies by property and insurance company.
Can moving affect my auto insurance premium?
It may. Insurance companies consider various rating and underwriting factors, and those factors and their impact vary by company and individual circumstances.
Should I compare home and auto insurance together?
It may be worthwhile. Some eligible households may qualify for multi-policy discounts, but pricing, coverage, eligibility and discounts vary by insurance company.
Can a local independent agency compare multiple insurance companies?
Independent agencies may represent multiple insurance companies. The specific companies and insurance options available depend on the agency, eligibility and underwriting requirements.
New to Midland or Odessa? We’re Here to Help.
Killebrew Insurance LLC has served families in Midland, Odessa and West Texas for decades.
If you’re moving to the Permian Basin, purchasing a home or simply looking for a second opinion on your home and auto insurance, we’d be happy to answer your questions.
We can review the information you provide and discuss available insurance options through the companies we represent, subject to eligibility and underwriting requirements.
Killebrew Insurance LLC
Midland: 432-694-0508
Odessa: 432-332-6322
Website: www.killebrewinsurance.com
Helpful Resources
For additional consumer information, consider resources from the Texas Department of Insurance regarding homeowners insurance, auto insurance, shopping for coverage and understanding deductibles.
People moving to Texas can also review information from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding applicable vehicle registration and driver-license requirements.
Important Insurance Information
This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific insurance, legal, financial, mortgage, vehicle-registration or driver-license advice.
Coverage, pricing, discounts, eligibility, underwriting requirements, inspections and policy provisions vary by insurance company, policy, property and individual circumstances. Review your individual insurance needs and policy documents with a licensed insurance professional.
