Short answer: A Texas homeowners policy usually covers fire, theft and liability, but wind and hail are the big issues: on parts of the Gulf Coast, regular policies may exclude windstorm, and coastal owners buy wind and hail coverage from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Flood is never part of a standard policy. If at least two companies turn you down, the Texas FAIR Plan Association sells basic home insurance. An insurer that won't renew you must give 60 days' written notice.
This guide is general information for Texas homeowners. It isn't legal advice. Your policy wording controls.
The risks Texas regulators tell homeowners to plan for
The Texas Department of Insurance home insurance guide points homeowners to three gaps more than any others:
- Windstorm, hurricane and hail. Standard Texas policies list windstorm, hurricane and hail as covered perils, except on the Gulf Coast, where many policies exclude them.
- Flood. Home policies don't cover floods. TDI notes that more than half of homes flooded by Hurricane Harvey were outside designated flood zones, and that most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period.
- Mold. Mold removal is generally covered only when needed to repair damage from a covered risk.
Step 1: Pick replacement cost or actual cash value
TDI's guide uses a roof example: replacement cost pays to replace the roof minus your deductible, while actual cash value subtracts depreciation for wear and age first. On an older roof, that difference can be thousands of dollars out of your pocket. Texas policies also commonly have a separate wind and hail deductible stated as a percentage. For details, see Texas roof insurance, hail deductibles and ACV.
Step 2: On the coast, line up TWIA before storm season
If you live in a coastal county where your policy excludes wind, TWIA sells wind and hail coverage through local agents. TDI warns that you may need flood insurance before TWIA will write a policy, you may need a windstorm inspection, and TWIA won't sell a policy while a hurricane is in the Gulf of Mexico. Read TWIA explained.
Step 3: Buy flood insurance separately
Get a quote from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer, even outside a mapped flood zone. Buy early because of the waiting period.
Step 4: If no one will insure you, the Texas FAIR Plan
You can get Texas FAIR Plan Association coverage if you can't find a Texas-licensed company to insure you and at least two companies have turned you down. TDI says FAIR Plan and surplus lines coverage costs more than a standard company. See the Texas FAIR Plan explained.
Step 5: Know the non-renewal notice rule
Under Texas Insurance Code §551.105, an insurer must give at least 60 days' written notice before it non-renews your homeowners policy. More detail: Texas homeowners non-renewal rules.
Step 6: Claim deadlines on both sides
Texas Insurance Code chapter 542 sets the insurer's clock: generally 15 days to acknowledge and start investigating, 15 business days to accept or reject after it receives everything it asked for, and 5 business days to pay after it accepts (see Texas insurance claim deadlines). On your side, TDI notes that if damage was caused by a disaster, you must tell the company in writing at least 61 days before you sue. Claims under $20,000 can go to Justice Court.
See our tables: non-renewal notice rules by state, insurance claim deadlines by state and home insurance claim and lawsuit deadlines by state.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See Texas insurance claim deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas homeowners insurance cover hurricanes?
Wind from a hurricane is usually covered outside the Gulf Coast. On parts of the coast, many policies exclude windstorm and hail, and owners buy that coverage from TWIA. Flood from storm surge is never covered by a homeowners policy.
Who can get the Texas FAIR Plan?
Texas homeowners who can't find a Texas-licensed company to insure them and have been turned down by at least two companies, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.
How much notice is required before a Texas homeowners non-renewal?
At least 60 days' written notice under Texas Insurance Code §551.105.
Can I buy TWIA coverage when a storm is coming?
No. TDI says TWIA won't sell a policy if there's a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.