Find out if you are protecting your home with an insurance company that is highly rated in Texas
Insurance is not the most exciting topic but when you need it you want to be sure your company will be there for you.
Let's face it Texas has it's share of challenges when it comes to weather that can damage our homes: Hurricanes, lightening, hail, just to name a few. Do you know if your insurance company covers the Texas weather challenges? And are you getting a fair rate? Typically for home insurance premiums are higher in Texas because it is a disaster prone area and homeowners may require large payouts due to catastrophe related damage.
While unlike car insurance, state laws in Texas do not require that your home is insured, however if you have a loan on your home it is likely it will require you purchase a homeowner's policy. A home insurance policy covers some weather damage (be sure to ask specifics), as well as personal property lost or damaged in a burglary. You'll also want to make sure you have enough personal liability coverage if someone is hurt on your property so you are covered. Additionally many insurance companies offer the following:
- Umbrella policy which allows you to increase your policy's liability coverage.
- Riders on your policy that add coverage to high valued personal items such as jewelry, antiques or art work.
- Replacement Cost coverage which pays the cost of replacing your home instead of the value of the property.
Though it may be optional you should also consider adding Flood insurance to your policy whether or not you are in a flood zone/plain. A government backed program National Flood Insurance Program offers extra coverage to homeowners in flood zones nationwide.
Finding the right home insurance company in Texas
USAA Insurance is a top insurer in Texas but limits its membership to an individual that is in the military, their family and veterans. They are well ranked on review sites and also get top ranks from Consumer Reports. Unfortunately USAA is not available to everyone, however there are many other companies that are highly rated in Texas such as Amica, Encompass or The Hartford. They may not be well known national brands but get high marks from consumers. Do your research before jumping on the name home insurance name brand band wagon.
Combined Policy Discounts
If you own a car and home in Texas, some insurance companies offer a "bundled" policy which could provide some savings. It also limits your overhead of having to deal with multiple companies and policies. Below is a list of some top rated companies in Texas that offer both auto and home insurance in Texas. Ask if they provide a discount for combined policies.
- USAA Insurance for military, veterans and their families
- Amica Mutual Insurance Company
- Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance
- AAA auto and home insurance
- Horace Mann Companies for employees that work for schools/education
- American National Property & Casualty Company (ANPAC)
- Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company
- Encompass Insurance Company