Do You Need Flood Insurance for Your Texas Home?

Nothing is worse than seeing everything you’ve worked for floating and floodwater in your home or basement. Many people mistakenly think that flood insurance is automatically included with their homeowner’s insurance policy, but that is not the case. Our agents at Outdoor Insurance Services, serving the Houston, TX area, want you to know that most home insurance policies do not include flood or earthquake insurance, so you have to get an amendment added to your main policy to have these types of coverage.

Do You Need Flood Insurance for Your Texas Home?

Flood insurance is a critical consideration for homeowners in Texas due to the state’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and even flash flooding. Texas is known for its unpredictable weather, and severe storms can lead to devastating floods that can cause extensive damage to your home and property. While flood insurance is not required for all homeowners in Texas, it is still a great investment to provide you with the financial protection you deserve.

While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which offers flood insurance policies to homeowners, renters, and business owners, you can have your insurance agent create a policy that works for you and your situation.

Flood insurance will not only cover the structure of your home or building, but it will also help you replace any items that are lost in a flood, such as clothing, furniture, and appliances.

Get Your Flood Insurance Policy Today

You never know when bad weather will be upon you, bringing floodwaters that can invade your home and property. Get ahead of the next storm by securing a flood insurance policy by calling our agents at Outdoor Insurance Services serving the Houston, TX area today!

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Essential Tips for Buying RV Park Insurance

At Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX, we love helping new and seasoned RV park owners purchase insurance to protect their businesses so they can grow and thrive for years to come. While all RV park insurance policies may have their own terms and limits that can benefit policyholders in unique ways, we can offer some general tips for those shopping for RV park insurance. Owning an RV park should be rewarding, so we try to take the hassle out of protecting your RV park against liability and more. If you follow our suggestions below, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right RV park insurance policy for your needs.

Look into Local Laws

Before you decide to go with an RV park insurance policy, investigate the local laws surrounding RV park insurance. The last thing we want our clients to do is fail to have the minimum required RV park insurance because of a lack of upfront research. If you’re unsure where to start, looking into local insurance laws can be as easy as scrolling through related government websites or calling regional governmental offices to see if they can direct you to the appropriate department for learning about this subject.

Review Your Options

Once you know your minimum insurance requirements, it’s time to consider the extra coverage you may want. Looking into options can mean reviewing potential providers. It can also involve reviewing different policies from the same provider.

Work with Qualified Insurance Agents

Most importantly, you’ll want to speak with qualified insurance agents to guide you through this process. For assistance in securing RV park insurance, call our office at Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX. 

 

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Ways to Hurricane Proof Your Home

No homeowner relishes the thought of facing a hurricane. If you live in Houston TX, however, you’ve got to be prepared. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to minimize the damage that hurricane winds and rains can cause. Here are some ideas from Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX on how to “hurricane proof” your home.

Ways to Hurricane Proof Your Home

When it comes to hurricane protection, the priority is safeguarding your family. If you plan to shelter in place, this can be done by shoring up your home. Here are some ways to accomplish these goals:

Windows

Windows are at risk of damage from winds, debris and rain. Investing in hurricane windows would be a long-term solution to avoiding damage to your windows and home. You can also install storm shutters to protect your windows from harm.

Exterior Doors

Exterior doors can sustain a lot of damage by high winds and flooding. If your doors are old and worn, upgrade them to fiberglass or steel doors to protect your home.

Garage Door

Damage to your garage door paves the way for stormwater to enter your garage and damage all that’s within. If replacing this door is too costly, try reinforcing it with braces or hurricane clips for extra support. This will help protect the contents of your garage and home.

Roof

If your roof needs repairs, get this done before a hurricane strikes to avoid water damage in your home. At the same time, make sure your gutters and downspouts are in good shape and free of clutter to channel rainwater away from your home.

Home Insurance

Don’t forget to review your home insurance before hurricane season to ensure your coverage is relevant and up to date. For help updating your home coverage, contact Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX.

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Why Contractors Need Builders Risk Insurance Coverage

Builder’s Risk insurance covers any losses or damage incurred during building or renovations. In most instances, the general contractor will purchase a builder’s risk policy to help protect both their interests and the homeowners. Anyone interested in purchasing Builders Risk insurance can count on the professionals at Outdoor Insurance Services to provide the residents of Houston, TX, with quality insurance policies and exceptional customer service.

Builder’s Risk insurance

These policies protect anyone interested in a construction or renovation project. However, the general contractor may or may not make the policy purchase. It is standard protocol for the contractor to secure the policy. Still, they may state in their contract that the homeowner is responsible for acquiring the policy before the project begins.

Let Us Assist You 

If you’re currently in the market for a builder’s risk policy or any other type of high-quality insurance policy, we can help. Our expert insurance agents are highly knowledgeable and ready to work with you to help you get protection coverage. We can assist you with determining which policy options work best for your situation. Once a policy is selected, we can also provide support with the submission of documentation and paperwork. If, at any point during the life of the policy, you need to update your information or change the policy, we are here to help. Are agents can also assist you with claims submissions.

Contact Outdoor Insurance Services Today 

Outdoor Insurance Services offers specialty insurance policies to help prevent financial risks associated with various instances. We are here to help the residents of Houston, TX get the peace of mind they need to pursue projects and other endeavors. Please call or stop by our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our insurance agents.

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Four Auto Insurance Add-Ons to Make Your Life Easier!

As a leading insurance provider, we understand that life can be unpredictable. We are here to assist you in understanding the complicated aspects of auto insurance and simplifying your life in Houston, TX.

1. Roadside Assistance

Being stranded on the side of the road, particularly in Texas’ erratic weather, is an unpleasant experience. With roadside help as an add-on to your auto insurance policy, you’ll have access to professional help whenever you need it. This service typically includes towing, battery jump-start, flat tire repair, and fuel delivery. It’s a small investment for a big dose of reassurance.

2. Rental Car Reimbursement

Sometimes accidents occur, and in such unfortunate circumstances, your car may need to be repaired for an extended period, leaving you without it. Rental car reimbursement is an auto insurance add-on that covers the cost of a rental vehicle during this time. This coverage lets you maintain your daily routine without worrying about transportation costs. Outdoor Insurance Services can help you find the rental coverage that fits your needs.

3. Accident Forgiveness

Even if you’re a careful driver, accidents can occur and cause a significant increase in insurance premiums. Accident forgiveness is an auto insurance add-on that protects your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident. This coverage ensures that one mistake won’t result in skyrocketing insurance costs, providing you with peace of mind and financial stability.

4. Custom Equipment Coverage

For many of us, our cars extend our personalities. If you’ve invested in custom parts or equipment for your vehicle, you’ll want to protect these valuable additions. Custom equipment coverage is an auto insurance add-on that protects aftermarket parts and accessories, such as custom wheels, stereo systems, and performance upgrades.

Contact Outdoor Insurance Services today to learn more about our comprehensive auto insurance solutions in Houston, TX, and how we can make your life easier.

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Exploring Your Hunting Insurance Options in Houston, TX

Texas has a vast and diverse terrain with an attractive climate, making it one of the go-to destinations for local hunters. Many hunters in Texas make the mistake of going hunting without insurance. 

Hunting insurance can protect covered hunters from the common risks associated with hunting. 

Examples of common hunting risks in Texas are as follows. 

  • Accidental Shootings
  • Property Damage
  • Bodily Injury

Liability Insurance for Texas Hunters

If you’ve ever heard of auto liability insurance, you are already familiar with how general liability insurance works. Hunting liability insurance works in the same way with a few different provisions.

Most hunting liability policies cover hunting accidents and financial damages when accidents occur. Some hunting policies can also help cover legal fees related to hunting lawsuits and similar personal injury claims. 

Personal Injury Insurance

Many Texas hunters and their families aren’t aware that they can get personal injury insurance for hunting. This specialty insurance can protect Texas hunters from financial devastation in the event of a hunting accident for ambulance services, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and other related medical services. 

Property Damage Insurance 

In the rare event that a hunter damages someone’s property while hunting, property damage insurance can help offset the costs of financial damages, lawsuits, and related damages to fences, structures on private land, and crops.

Get Hunting Insurance in Texas

Protect your family finances from financial loss caused by hunting accidents in Texas.

Talk to a licensed insurance agent at Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX who can offer advice, answer your hunting insurance-related questions, and even offer you a free quote to help you get started!

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How To Talk to Aging Parents About Life Insurance

Talking about end-of-life preparations can be uncomfortable and sad. Many people altogether avoid these types of conversations for these reasons. Here at Outdoor Insurance Services, serving Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, we want to help clients face these types of conversations with their families. Keep reading to learn more on talking about life insurance with aging parents. 

Do I Need To Talk To My Parents About Life Insurance?

Suppose your parents have not already shared their plans for end-of-life expenses and life insurance with you or another trusted family member. In that case, you need to attempt to have this conversation. This is important because when families are not aware of preparations that have been made or policies that are in place, it makes it very difficult and stressful to pay for and plan final arrangements.

When a parent passes away, the family will already be distraught, and any confusion about life insurance policies or how to pay for expenses will significantly add to that stress. Talking about these things now will bring peace of mind, even if it is initially awkward and uncomfortable. 

How Do I Start This Conversation?

When it is time to start this conversation, be sure to approach it gently. Make sure you explain to your parents that you want to be able to carry out all of their final arrangements precisely as they wish, and to do that you need to know what plans have already been made, what expenses have already been paid for, and what type of insurance policies are already in place. 

If you want to learn more about life insurance, please contact us at Outdoor Insurance Services, serving Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas. 

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What Is Operator’s Insurance and When Do You Need It?

Here at Outdoor Insurance Services, serving the greater Houston, TX area, one of the types of insurance we offer is operator insurance. While there are many types of insurance products that you may be familiar with, operator’s insurance is not one of the products that most people are familiar with. As such, when you hear this term, you may wonder what operators’ insurance is and when you may find yourself needing an operators’ insurance product. Read on to get the answers to these questions. 

What Is Operator’s Insurance? 

Operator’s insurance differs greatly from traditional liability insurance that you see with auto or truck insurance policies. With traditional policies, the vehicle itself is covered, regardless of who is operating the car, as long as they are not on an excluded list. With operator’s insurance, you, the driver, are covered, regardless of which vehicle you operate. Most operator’s insurance policies apply to drivers of cars or operators of big rigs. 

When Should You Consider Purchasing an Operator’s Insurance Policy? 

If you typically drive one or more vehicles you do not own, purchasing an operator’s insurance policy may benefit you. It helps to ensure that you are covered as the driver of the vehicle or truck, regardless of what type of insurance the owner of the vehicle has. This helps to protect you when you are operating someone else’s vehicle. 

Operator’s insurance may be needed if you operate a vehicle or a big rig you do not own. Typically, insurance products cover the vehicle itself, but operator’s insurance is designed to cover the operator or driver. If you want to purchase an operator’s insurance policy in the greater Houston, TX area, please get in touch with Outdoor Insurance Services to get the help you deserve when looking for and purchasing your ideal insurance policy. 

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What comes with a wineries insurance plan in Texas?

Wine continues to be one of the most popular adult beverages in the world. Today, wine grapes continue to be grown in parts nationwide, including in the Houston, TX area. If you are going to open a winery here, it is essential that you carry proper insurance for the business. A wineries insurance plan will offer various types of coverage for business owners in this area. 

Liability Coverage

Whenever you are going to produce and serve alcohol, there is a certain amount of liability risk that you are taking on. Getting proper insurance should be a top priority when you are looking to mitigate this liability risk as well as possible. A winery insurance policy will give you coverage for accidents on the property and product liability coverage, which can offer support if someone is hurt or becomes ill by consuming a product you serve.

Coverage for Assets

It is also wise to get a winery insurance plan for proper asset coverage. Anyone purchasing a winery will also need to acquire buildings, wine production equipment, vehicles, and other vital assets. Without insurance, you could lose these items entirely if a fire or another peril occurs. Ultimately, your insurance plan will give you financial support if you incur a serious loss.  

If you are looking to open a winery in the Houston, TX area, you will want to ensure that you are properly insured. If you are looking for winery insurance, it would be helpful to call our team at Outdoor Insurance Services. Our insurance professionals understand the importance of proper business coverage, and we can help build a plan to protect your winery adequately. 

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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. 

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