What you're required to have, what's actually covered, and what most people forget to get.
The HO-3 is the most common homeowners policy. It covers the structure of your home on an open-peril basis (covers all risks except those explicitly excluded) and your personal property on a named-peril basis (covers only listed risks).
This is the part most buyers don't read until they have a claim. Standard homeowners insurance excludes several major risks.
Key point: Many Texas homeowners learn the hard way that standard policies don't cover flooding. Hurricane Harvey flooded ~200,000 homes — the majority were uninsured for flood.
Flood insurance is a separate policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. If your home is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), your lender will require it. But even outside those zones, flooding happens.
In most of Texas, windstorm and hail are included in the standard HO-3 policy. However, in the Gulf Coast counties designated by TDI (Texas Department of Insurance), windstorm coverage must be purchased separately through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
If you're buying a condo or a home in an HOA with shared structures, understanding what the HOA's master policy covers is critical.
Texas homeowners insurance is among the most expensive in the nation due to hail, wind, and weather risk.
Key point: Get insurance quotes before you close — not after. In some areas of Texas, you may struggle to find coverage or the cost may change your affordability calculation.
Official and third-party resources for research and applications — provided for your convenience, not as endorsements. Confirm current terms directly with each provider, and reach out to me anytime for a trusted referral.
This is what I do — help you understand exactly where you stand before you commit to anything.
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