How Hurricanes Damage the Home (and What You Can Do About It)

Natural disasters comprise some of the most significant threats to homes. This holds particularly true if you reside in a state like Texas, where a majority of homeowners confront relatively high annual hurricane risks. Understanding the extent of damage hurricanes can inflict, regardless of whether you’ve encountered little to zero risk previously, can be a strong motivator to devise ways to shield your home against such destructive storms. This understanding also illustrates the necessity of contacting us at Outdoor Insurance Services. We cater to homeowners just like you in the Houston, TX area.

What Kind of Damage Do Hurricanes Cause?

The two most damaging aspects of a hurricane are the high winds and the extensive influx of water. High winds cannot only tear roofs off and damage other property sections, but even minor winds can weaken already inadequately supported parts of the home, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage during unexpected storms. If debris gets blown around, it can result in damage to doors and windows, leading to water intrusion. Water is another major concern, causing damage to floors, destroying electrical equipment, and more. To safeguard your property ideally, consider installing impact windows and hurricane shutters, reinforcing doors, elevating the home, and conducting regular maintenance. However, there is yet another way to protect yourself.

Secure Your Home With Hurricane Preparedness Insurance from Outdoor Insurance Services

While the steps above offer valuable prevention against damage, what happens if your home sustains damage necessitating intensive repairs? At Outdoor Insurance Services, we can assist you in exploring a wide range of policies to help you prepare for hurricanes and safeguard your finances in case your home in Houston, TX, suffers severe damage. Compare quotes with us today to find the policy that best suits your needs!

Residential Property Modifications That May Require More Insurance Coverage

Tailoring Home Insurance to Your Needs After Residential Upgrades

Carrying out upgrades to your house may require you to increase your insurance coverage. Review the sections below, and if you have carried out any such modifications, contact one of our agents in Houston, TX, to adjust your home insurance policy accordingly.

Structural Changes

All structural modifications that change your home’s design or size should be accurately recorded. These changes may increase your home’s value. Maintaining a list of all materials used will help determine the amount of insurance coverage required.

Water Features

If you’ve added a pool, a fountain, or any other major water feature to your property, it needs to be reported to your insurance company. The new addition could necessitate updating your home insurance policy, ensuring coverage against accidents, damage, and theft.

Security Devices

If you have installed new security devices either inside or on your property, keep a record of them. Enhanced security can protect your home from intruders. Smart technology could also shield you from unexpected weather events. So, when you’re ready to update your home insurance policy, include these upgrades.

New Systems

Installing a new HVAC, plumbing, or any other professionally fitted system on your property will add value. Including those systems in your insurance policy will cover the loss or damage if these systems ever get stolen, vandalized, or damaged.

Contact Outdoor Insurance Service

When you’re ready to adjust your insurance coverage, one of our Outdoor Insurance Services agents will be happy to serve you. The agent will arrange an appointment, during which you can update your home insurance policy.

How to prepare your home for a storm

Preparing your home for a storm can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to ensure the safety of your family and property.

Here are some steps from us at Outdoor Insurance Services you can take to make sure that you’re ready when a storm hits the Houston, TX area:

  1. Secure outdoor furniture: Make sure all outdoor furniture is stored in a safe place or tied down securely, so it doesn’t become dangerous debris during high wind
  2. Clear away debris: Walk around your property and remove any objects that could cause damage if thrown by the wind; this includes items like garden tools, pool toys, or any other loose items.
  3. Cover windows and doors: Install storm shutters on your windows to protect them from flying debris, or use plywood to cover them up temporarily.
  4. Check your roof: Make sure there aren’t any loose shingles or tiles that can be easily ripped off during high winds.
  5. Trim trees: Prune your trees, so branches don’t come into contact with your home in the event of a storm.
  6. Stock up on emergency supplies: Have a first aid kit, flashlights, and food/water stored away for emergency use if you get cut off from power for an extended period.
  7. Check your insurance policy: Ensure your homeowner’s insurance is current and covers any damage caused by storms or flooding.
  8. Stay informed: Use local media outlets to stay informed on the progress of approaching storms and follow any safety instructions given by local authorities.

By preparing for your home, you can ride out the storm knowing you have done everything possible to stay safe. For more storm tips, call us at Outdoor Insurance Services today. We proudly serve the Houston, TX area. 

Should I Purchase Home Insurance in Houston, TX?

Owning a home is a beautiful thing. However, many expenses come with homeownership. One and the most important one is purchasing home insurance. Locking your home and installing security cameras doesn’t guarantee safety because some risks are beyond your control. That’s why home insurance comes in handy for all homeowners.

While it is natural to ask whether purchasing home insurance in Houston, TX is necessary. There are several reasons why it’s a crucial protection tool for your home. Outdoor Insurance Services understands your questions and has prepared for you reasons why you should purchase home insurance. Let’s explore. 

It protects your assets

If you are like many, your home is the most valuable asset. Unfortunately, one unthinkable event can occur and leave you vulnerable without home insurance. Home insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home in the event of a covered hazard.

Protects you against liability

Accidents do happen, and if a third-party member gets injured in the confines of your property, your home insurance steps in to pay for the resulting damage. Home insurance covers hospital bills or lawsuits if you get sued.

Protects your personal belongings

Besides covering the structure, home insurance protects your personal belongings. Your belongings like ornaments, furniture, clothing, and electronic appliances are what makes a house a home. You want to have your belongings safeguarded in case of an unfortunate event, and that’s what home insurance will do for you.

Compensates for temporary living expenses

If a covered peril damages your home, making it unlivable, home insurance will put you in a temporary place as the repairs or rebuilding is ongoing. 

Home insurance in Houston TX

There you have it. Purchasing home insurance is a no-brainer if you value your assets. To get the right coverage that protects you fully, talk to your insurer. For those in Houston, TX and its environs, be sure to contact Outdoor Insurance Services for an affordable quote.

Home Insurance Add-ons To Consider

Home insurance protects you against many perils, including theft, fire, vandalism, and so forth. Unfortunately, just like other coverages, home insurance isn’t entirely perfect- it has limitations and exclusions. For this reason, you need add-ons (endorsements) to boost your home insurance coverage. 

If you are in The Woodlands, TX, and would like to get the most out of your home insurance policy, Outdoor Insurance Services shares add-ons to consider for your home insurance coverage.

Flood damage

Typical home insurance doesn’t protect your home against natural water flooding. If you live in a flood-prone area, you need to invest in flood insurance to protect your home against flooding that can cause costly damages.  

Umbrella insurance

Umbrella insurance provides extra protection when your home insurance liability coverage runs out. For instance, if someone falls off your balcony and sustains severe head injuries, umbrella insurance can help cover medical costs and possible lawsuits when your liability coverage is exhausted.

Jewelry and valuables coverage

While your home insurance protects your high-value items like art, jewelry, and fur, the protection is limited. As such, you need to consider a rider to protect your high-value items from perils like theft and fire. 

Underground services line

If damage occurs from the underground utility lines on your property, home insurance doesn’t cover you. That said, you need an endorsement to protect you when tree roots or over-age service lines cave in and cause damage to your home. 

Earthquake coverage

Without an earthquake endorsement, you may have to incur out-of-pocket expenses to repair your home and remove debris when an earthquake strikes. If your house is located in an earthquake-prone area, you need this endorsement for optimal protection. 

Home insurance in The Woodlands, TX

Would you like to boost your home insurance plan with additional riders? Please contact Outdoor Insurance Services for an affordable quote.

How Much Home Insurance Do I Need?

Choosing proper home insurance is not easy, especially because you have to make sure that it will pay for rebuilding your house, replacing your belongings, and defraying the costs if you are unable to live in your house. Outdoor Insurance Services serving clients from The Woodlands, TX has prepared a brief guide for you on how to decide how much home insurance coverage you need: 

How Much Home Insurance Should I Get?

The first and most important thing you need to understand when purchasing home insurance is that there is no one-size-fits-all policy. In order to figure out how much home insurance you need, you should estimate how high costs would be in the situations where your property or personal belongings are damaged, destroyed, or stolen. In order to make sure that you have enough insurance, you need to figure out how much home insurance you will need in four different areas: 

  • Home. That depends on how much it will cost to rebuild your home from scratch. You can always ask a local construction company and a contractor to calculate the costs for you. 
  • Personal belongings. They include furniture, clothing, appliances, electronics, and jewelry. To make sure you are not underinsured, you should create an inventory list. 
  • Liability protection. It covers the costs of a lawsuit if someone is injured on your property and then decides to sue you. You need to calculate your assets (investments, savings, and property) and get more liability protection than the minimum, which is usually $100,000. 
  • Additional living expenses. They are expenses that you may have if your home becomes uninhabitable and you need to move somewhere temporarily. It is recommended to talk to your agent to decide how much exactly you need. 

It is not easy to choose the right insurance and decide on how much home insurance you need because there is a risk of being underinsured. Outdoor Insurance Services serving clients from The Woodlands, TX is ready to help choose the right policy and proper coverage. Do not hesitate to give us a call and talk to one of our agents. 

Home Insurance Made Easier with Assistance from an Independent Agency

Homeowner’s insurance is something that must not be taken lightly. You will want to talk to an expert such as someone from Outdoor Insurance Services of The Woodlands, TX so that you have help navigating the complicated matters.

Have Your Insurance In Hand Early On

Yes, it’s ideal that you have your home insurance before you close on your new house. If this just isn’t possible or you already have one and are looking to change companies, consider a small local agency. They’ll provide you with one-on-one personalized services to help you find the insurance policy and terms that you need.

Be Proactive with Your Home Insurance

You don’t want to give up your decision on which company to go with for your insurance. Your lender may pressure you to choose quickly and even tell you which agency if you don’t already have one. The problem with this is that they might not be suited to your particular situation, and you won’t have the benefit of knowing for sure that they have your best interests in mind.

Knowledge of the Community

It’s great if you get insurance through an agency that already has strong ties to the community. If they’ve been in business for a while, know your neighborhood or city well and can anticipate changes, this is a definite plus. You should work with an agent who can explain coverage gaps and if certain riders would help your situation.

Reach Out to Your Local Independent Agency

Contact an agent at Outdoor Insurance Services for an agency that will work with you to customize a home insurance policy. Use the online form or give the office a call to get a quote.

Tips for buying home insurance in The Woodlands

Buying home insurance can be as daunting as buying a home itself. It’s not unusual to get frustrated and overwhelmed through the processes. To save you the trouble, Outdoor Insurance Services in the Woodlands, TX recommends shopping for a home insurance policy as soon as your offer for purchase has been approved. We have lined up a few tips to guide you through the process.

Determine how much insurance you need

Probably the first step is to check your budget alongside the amount of home insurance you need. Different homes have different quotations. This is profoundly affected by the home value and the content value inside the house. Therefore, it is prudent to speak with one of our insurance experts to help you buy the correct coverage for your home.

Buy insurance immediately

Most first time home buyers aren’t often keen about purchasing home insurance. Some have the idea that a new home doesn’t need insurance immediately. However, those buying on a mortgage are required to produce insurance documents before the loan is serviced. Buying insurance is time-consuming; if you wait till the last minute, you may end up scrambling to get insured or dealing with delays on providing the bank with your insurance details.

Check for discounts

Make sure you are receiving as many discounts as possible. One smart way to do this is bundling up multiple policies with one provider. For instance, you could bundle a car, boat, motorcycle, umbrella, and home policy from Outdoor Insurance Services. You will need to ask whether such discounts are available.

Buying a home is the largest financial step one can take. Protecting it and its occupants should be your prime priority. At Outdoor Insurance Services, we are here to help. Visit us in The Woodlands, TX today, and our service team will be happy to help.

 

What is my covered and not covered by my homeowners insurance

Many of The Woodlands, TX residents have homeowners insurance– also known as HO-3 that covers multiple perils in case of accidents that may cause massive damage. However, very few individuals are aware of what the basic policy covers and what it doesn’t. It is quite critical to know some of these exclusions in order to look for alternative solutions. Outdoor Insurance Services will help you go through the list.

What is covered

  • The dwelling: This coverage covers the structure of the home where you live.
  • Other structures: If there are other structures like the garage, shed or fence, this coverage helps protect them.
  • Liability protection: In the event that someone not living with you is injured, this coverage helps pay for the legal fees as well as the medical costs.
  • Personal property: Your clothes, furniture, electronics and basically most items in your house are covered in this coverage in case of a fire or theft

What is not covered

  • Water damage and earthquakes: Most insurance policies do not cover earthquakes or sinkholes and other water-related damages like floods. Sewers are also not covered.
  • Maintenance: If you break your sofa, your insurance company cannot replace it as it is not covered.
  • Jewelry and expensive art: There are limitations on how much coverage you can get for expensive items. However, you can purchase separate insurance for these items.
  • Dog attacks: If your dog is hurt or hurts you, you will be responsible for the medical costs as dog bites are not covered.
  • Destroyed or stolen cash: It is quite difficult to convince your insurance company that you had cash without valid evidence

If you still feel you need to cover some of the above perils that are not covered, you can still find alternative ways of securing them. For instance, some private companies offer flood insurance. Visit us at Outdoor Insurance Services located in The Woodlands, TX to help you with more alternatives.