As we turn the corner into spring, it’s time to think about rain showers and flooding. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage from flooding. Who should consider flood insurance? Everyone, according to FEMA. Everyone is at some risk of a flood damaging their home and property. Developers might build a neighborhood in a place where bayous or wetlands would have soaked up rainwater. And a heavy, prolonged rainstorm– like we saw with Hurricane Harvey – could stall over a city, causing flooding where it might not normally flood. Will someone tell me if I need flood insurance? Not nec ..read more

Understand the process of filing an auto or home claim to help make the experience less stressful. When should I file a home or auto claim?  As soon as you can. You’ll want to talk to the company while the accident or incident is fresh in your mind. If you’re not sure you want to file a claim, you can still call your company and discuss your options. Ask how much your deductible is to help you decide if you should file a claim.  What is a deductible?  A deductible is the money you must pay if you file a claim. You’ll pay for car or home repairs up to your deductible, then the co ..read more

Finding a new health plan can be challenging. We have tips to make it easier. How do I get a health insurance plan? Most people get health insurance in one of four ways: 1.     Ask your employer if they offer a health plan for employees. 2.     Ask your spouse’s employer if you can join their plan. 3.     Stay on your parent’s plan until you’re 26. 4.     Buy a plan through an insurance company, HMO, or on HealthCare.gov. How do I choose health insurance? Start by looking at the benefits. Those are the health care ..read more

Kitchen fires started by cooking are the No. 1 cause of home fires. Learn more about keeping your home and your family safe from cooking fires.  What’s the main cause of fires when cooking?  People leaving cooking food unattended. This can lead to frying grease igniting, cooktop flames getting out of control, or electric burners igniting potholders, towels, or paper that are close by.  How can cooking fires be prevented?  Set a timer when you start cooking something. This will remind you if you get distracted and help you remember to get food off the stove before a fire sta ..read more

Shopping around is a good way to save money on your home insurance What’s affecting home insurance prices? Some factors include weather that has caused more damage to more homes. And the cost of materials and labor has increased in the last few years. As insurance companies spend more money on claims, they raise their rates to compensate. How often should I shop for home insurance? Every year is a good rule of thumb. Most policies last 12 months, so you can start shopping a couple of months before your policy is up for renewal. You can also shop anytime throughout the year. If you’ve paid your ..read more

If you live along the Texas coast, wind and hail insurance (also called windstorm insurance) often isn’t part of your homeowners policy. You’ll need a separate windstorm policy. TDI’s Coastal Outreach and Assistance Services Team program can help with windstorm insurance questions and complaints. Where do I get windstorm insurance? Ask if your homeowners insurance company sells windstorm insurance. That’s the easiest way. If they don’t offer it, you can ask your agent to get you a policy through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). What is TWIA? TWIA is called an “insurer of last ..read more

Si vive en la costa de Texas, el seguro contra viento y granizo (también conocido como seguro contra tormentas) usualmente no está incluido en su póliza de vivienda. Necesitará una póliza contra tormentas por separado. El equipo del Programa de servicios de asistencia y actividades de alcance comunitario (Coastal Outreach and Assistance Services, COAST por su nombre y siglas en inglés) puede ayudarle con sus preguntas y sus quejas sobre el seguro contra viento y granizo. ¿Dónde puedo obtener seguro contra tormentas? Pregúntele a su compañía de seguro de vivienda si vende seguro contra viento y ..read more

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) can help if you have a problem with your insurance agent, company, or adjuster. We resolve thousands of complaints annually. What kind of issues can TDI help with? We can help resolve issues you're having with your coverage. This could be claims and the way they're handled, cancellations or nonrenewals, discriminatory underwriting practices, and customer service issues. What types of issues can’t TDI help with? TDI can't: Help with a complaint against another person's insurance company. Make a company pay a claim unless it violates a law or the policy la ..read more

If you’ve had a power outage in your home, you might have bought a portable generator. Here’s how to stay safe while using it.  What’s considered a portable generator?  Portable generators are intended to be used temporarily while you’re without power. They take gas, diesel, or propane. You plug an extension cord into the generator to run small appliances, fans, and phone chargers. Portable generators will not power a house.   What is the biggest danger when using a generator?  Carbon monoxide is always present with generators, even when used properly. It’s a colorless ..read more

Cómo prepararse para la temporada de huracanes   La temporada de huracanes ocurre desde junio hasta noviembre. Aún tiene tiempo suficiente para preparar a su familia y su vivienda para una tormenta.   ¿Qué debo hacer para prepararme para un huracán?   Preste atención a los informes del estado del tiempo que hablen sobre las predicciones y pronósticos de la temporada de huracanes.   Usted también puede comenzar a preparar un plan para su familia. Este plan debe incluir la forma en que se comunicará con su familia durante una tormenta, un lugar de encuentr ..read more