Hurricane Preparation Tips from Texas Department of Insurance
AUSTIN - As Tropical Storm Alex gathers strength and moves toward possible landfall in South Texas, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) encourages residents to review their insurance policies in case they need to make a claim after the storm. Although residents of coastal areas are most at risk, tropical storm systems can travel hundreds of miles inland, creating the potential for tornados and inland flooding. Planning ahead can help you protect yourself, your family, and your property if a natural disaster occurs.
Review your coverage and policy limits. Make certain your homeowners or commercial property insurance policy is in force and that it provides adequate coverage to pay for damages to your property. Make sure you understand what the policy does and does not cover. If you have questions regarding the terms or coverage provided under the policy, contact your agent. If you’ve made improvements to your home, consider increasing your policy’s limits to cover the enhanced value of the property. Even without recent improvements, property values typically increase over time and insurance policies should be adjusted accordingly.
Be aware that homeowners and commercial property policies specifically exclude coverage for damage from flooding. Flood insurance must be purchased separately from the National Flood Insurance Program. However, there is a 30-day waiting period after the purchase date before coverage takes effect.
Make a home inventory. Photograph or videotape each room and the exterior of your home. List serial numbers on the items you can. Keep your inventory, your insurance policy, and any other important documents in a safe deposit box or other secure spot. If your home or property is damaged, accurate records can help speed up the claims. TDI publishes a Home Inventory Checklist to help you get started. Download or view the checklist at www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/consumer/cb086.pdf.
Make a safety plan. If a hurricane or severe weather threatens your area, you may have to make a decision whether to stay in your home or evacuate. Whenever local authorities recommend evacuation, you should leave. The advice of authorities is based on forecasts of the strength of the storm and its potential for death and destruction.
- Map out safe routes inland or to safer areas. If you live in a low-lying area, know where low-water crossings might make travel to safety more difficult and plan routes that avoid these areas.
- Find out the location of any nearby community shelters in case you must seek immediate shelter.
- Regularly check TV and radio for official weather bulletins.
- If you decide that it’s safe for you to stay, understand that you may be without electricity, fresh water, and phone service for some time and prepare accordingly. Stock up on canned goods and bottled water, check supplies of medicines and first-aid equipment, and check batteries in radios and flashlights.
- Work out a way for family members to communicate in case you must leave your home or if there is a disruption in local phone service. For instance, agree on a friend or relative who lives outside your immediate area who can serve as a point of contact in an emergency.
For more information:
If you have questions about insurance, call TDI’s Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website: www.tdi.state.tx.us.
If you have an insurance-related complaint, we may be able to help. You may file a complaint with TDI by calling the toll-free Consumer Help Line, filling out an online complaint form on TDI’s website, or emailing TDI at: ConsumerProtection@tdi.state.tx.us.
To report a suspicious fire to TDI’s Arson/Burn Ban Hotline, call 1-877-434-7345.
To report a case of suspected insurance fraud to TDI, call 1-888-327-8818.
For more information contact: PIO@tdi.state.tx.us
Last updated: 08/17/2010