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Homeowners /Renters /Manufactured Home (Mobil)/ Flood Insurance Quote Request
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In Today's Texas Homeowner's Insurance Market Many Insurance Companies Offer Policy Forms That Use Endorsements/Amendments Which Modifies Coverages Provided By A Texas Standard HO-A / HO-B / HO-C Policy FormCompare The Insurance Company Policy Forms Our Agency Offers With A Standard Texas HO- A / HO-B / HO-C Policy Form.
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| Specific Agency Recommended Texas Policy Forms Filed With The Texas Department Of Insurance Are Presented In This Comparative Report. This Report Utilizes A Comparative Report Format Promulgated By The Texas Office Of Public Insurance Counsel. | Standard HO-A (Texas Department of Insurance promulgated form) | Standard HO-B (Texas Department of Insurance promulgated form ) | Standard HO-C (Texas Department of Insurance promulgated form) |
Encompass Indemnity HO-A
With Additional Perils Endorsement |
Encompass Indemnity
Deluxe Home Endorsement |
Encompass Indemnity
Elite Home Endorsement |
Hartford Lloyds HO-A
With Endorsement H-801-0 |
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Lincoln General HO-A
With Endorsement HO-005C |
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Safeco Lloyds HO-A
With Additional Perils Endorsement |
Safeco Insurance Co. of Indiana
CHO-6295 |
Type of Coverage |
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| Dwelling | Named Perils | ALL risks | ALL risks | Named Perils | ALL risks | ALL risks | Named Perils | Named Perils | ALL risks | Named Perils | ALL risks | ALL risks | Named Perils | Named Perils |
| Personal Property | Named Perils | Named Perils | ALL risks | Named Perils | Named Perils | ALL risks | Named Perils | Named Perils | Named Perils | Named Perils | Named Perils | Named Perils | Named Perils | Named Perils |
Water Damage |
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| Sudden and Accidental leaking from plumbing, heating, air conditioning | NO | YES | YES | YES does not cover leaks that are below ground or within or below the foundation. | YES does not cover leaks that are below ground or within or below the
foundation. Limited foundation coverage is offered by the policy (See Damage to Foundation/Slab on this chart) |
YES does not cover leaks that are below ground or within or below the
foundation. Limited foundation coverage is offered by the policy (See Damage to Foundation/Slab on this chart) |
YES does not cover leaks that are below ground or within or below the foundation. | NO | YES | YES does not cover leaks that are below ground or within or below the foundation. | YES | YES | YES limited to $10,000 coverage with higher amounts available by endorsement. Does not cover leaks that are below ground or within or below the foundation. | YES tear out and replacement to access a leak within or below the foundation is NOT covered |
| Continuous or Repeated leakage from plumbing, heating, air conditioning | NO | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES | NO | NO | YES | NO | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Backup of sewers/drains | NO | YES | YES | NO but coverage is available by endorsement | NO but of coverage is available by endorsement | YES | NO | NO | YES | NO but coverage is available by endorsement | YES | YES | NO | YES if backup is from a source on the residence premises |
| Freezing of plumbing or heating system | NO | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | NO | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied | YES certain precautions must be taken by insured if property is unoccupied |
| Flood/Surface water | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO Flood Insurance can be obtained through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their website is http://www.fema.gov/nfip | NO |
Mold |
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| Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes | LIMITED to ensuing mold damage resulting from sudden and accidental water
damage caused by the covered perils named in the policy.
Sudden and accidental includes a physical loss that is hidden or
concealed for a period of time until it is detected. Any hidden or concealed
damage must be reported within 30 days of its detection. |
YES Only if the mold is on property physically damaged by sudden and
accidental water or steam. This includes hidden and concealed damage that is
reported within 30 days of detection. |
YES Only if the mold is on property physically damaged by sudden and
accidental water or steam. This includes hidden and concealed damage that is
reported within 30 days of detection. |
LIMITED to damage resulting from covered perils named in the policy. | YES limited to the dollar amount shown on the declaration page
PLEASE NOTE: This coverage applies ONLY in the event that
that mold is caused by the following perils: |
YES limited to the dollar amount shown on the declaration page
PLEASE NOTE: This coverage applies ONLY in the event that
that mold is caused by the following perils: |
LIMITED to $5000 for damage resulting from the following covered perils: 3. windstorm, hurricane, and hail 5. Aircraft and vehicles 6. vandalism and malicious mischief 7. riot and civil commotion 8. theft 9. sudden and accidental tearing apart of steam or hot water heating or storage systems, 10. vehicles, 11. falling objects, 12. collapse, 13. glass breakage, 14. sudden and discharge of water, 15. freezing |
LIMITED to damage resulting from covered perils named in the policy. | YES Only if the mold is on property physically damaged by sudden and
accidental water or steam. This includes hidden and concealed damage that is
reported within 30 days of detection. |
LIMITED to damage resulting from covered perils named in the policy. | YES Only if the mold is on property physically damaged by sudden and
accidental water or steam. This includes hidden and concealed damage that is
reported within 30 days of detection. |
YES Only if the mold is on property physically damaged by sudden and
accidental water or steam. This includes hidden and concealed damage that is
reported within 30 days of detection. |
LIMITED to damage resulting from covered perils named in the policy. | YES limited to the amount show on the declarations page |
| Cost of Testing, Remediation, and Living Expenses due to Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes | NO but an endorsement must be offered to provide coverage up to
the policy limits for these costs.
PLEASE NOTE: This additional mold coverage applies ONLY to
those perils named in the base policy: |
NO however, an endorsement must be offered to provide coverage up
to the policy limits for these costs.
PLEASE NOTE: While the base policy does not cover the cost of testing, remediation, and living expenses due to mold, fungi or other microbes, it does provide some basic but limited mold coverage (see coverage description under Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes for further explanation) |
NO but an endorsement must be offered to provide coverage up to the policy limits for these costs. | YES coverage up to the policy limits for those perils named in the base
policy: 1. fire and lightening 2. sudden and accidental damage from smoke 3. windstorm, hurricane, and hail 4. Explosion 5. Aircraft and vehicles 6. vandalism and malicious mischief 7. riot and civil commotion 8. theft. Coverage limited to $5,000 for any additional perils |
YES Included in the limit found of declarations page (SEE "Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes" coverage above) | YES Included in the limit found of declarations page (SEE "Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes" coverage above) | YES included in the $5,000 cap | NO but an endorsement must be offered to provide coverage up to
the policy limits for these costs.
PLEASE NOTE: This additional mold coverage applies ONLY to
those perils named in the base policy: |
NO endorsement must be offered to provide coverage up to the
policy limits for these costs.
PLEASE NOTE: While the base policy does not cover the cost of testing, remediation, and living expenses due to mold, fungi or other microbes, it does provide some basic but limited mold coverage (see coverage description under Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes for further explanation) |
YES coverage up to the policy limits for those perils named in the base
policy: 1. fire and lightening 2. sudden and accidental damage from smoke 3. windstorm, hurricane, and hail 4. Explosion 5. Aircraft and vehicles 6. vandalism and malicious mischief 7. riot and civil commotion 8. theft. Coverage limited to $5,000 for any additional perils |
NO however, an endorsement must be offered to provide coverage up
to the policy limits for these costs.
PLEASE NOTE: While the base policy does not cover the cost of testing, remediation, and living expenses due to mold, fungi or other microbes, it does provide some basic but limited mold coverage (see coverage description under Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes for further explanation) |
NO endorsement must be offered to provide coverage up to the
policy limits for these costs.
PLEASE NOTE: While the base policy does not cover the cost of testing, remediation, and living expenses due to mold, fungi or other microbes, it does provide some basic but limited mold coverage (see coverage description under Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes for further explanation) |
YES coverage up to the policy limits for those perils named in the base
policy: 1. fire and lightening 2. sudden and accidental damage from smoke 3. windstorm, hurricane, and hail 4. Explosion 5. Aircraft and vehicles 6. vandalism and malicious mischief 7. riot and civil commotion 8. theft. Coverage limited to $10,000 for any additional perils |
YES coverage is included in limit shown on the declarations page SEE "Mold, Fungi or Other Microbes" coverage above |
Other Perils Covered |
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| Damage to Foundation/Slab | NO | YES If damage results from a covered water leak | YES If damage results from a covered water leak | NO | YES If damage results from a "Sudden & Accidental" water loss, the policy covers up to $7500 to tear out and replace any part of the dwelling to access the leak as well as any damage to the dwelling or personal property. | YES If damage results from a "Sudden & Accidental" water loss, the policy covers up to $7500 to tear out and replace any part of the dwelling to access the leak as well as any damage to the dwelling or personal property. | NO | NO | YES If damage results from a covered water leak | NO | YES If damage results from a covered water leak | YES If damage results from a covered water leak | NO | NO |
| Falling Objects, including Trees | NO | YES | YES | YES trees and limbs only | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES trees and limbs only | YES | YES | YES only covers damage from falling trees or limbs | YES |
| Weight of Ice, Snow and Sleet | NO | YES | YES | YES damage from objects falling due to weight of ice snow or sleet | YES | YES | NO | NO | YES | YES damage from objects falling due to weight of ice snow or sleet | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Collapse | NO | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES unless caused by earth movement | NO | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES unless caused by earth movement | YES if the collapse is caused by the perils listed under this coverage - earth movement is not covered | YES if caused by the following perils: 1) hidden decay 2)hidden insect & vermin damage 3) weight of contents, equipment, animals, or people 4) weight of ice, snow, sleet and remain that collects of the roof 5) use of defective materials in construction, remodeling, or renovation that happens during the course of construction, remodeling, or renovation |
| Damage by Animals | NO | YES unless owned or kept by insured or occupant | YES unless owned or kept by insured or occupant | NO | YES unless owned or kept by insured or occupant | YES unless owned or kept by insured or occupant | NO | NO | YES unless owned or kept by insured or occupant | NO | YES unless owned or kept by insured or occupant | YES unless owned or kept by insured or occupant | NO | n/a |
| Glass Breakage -Dwelling applies to glass that is part of the building | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Damage by Vehicles | YES unless vehicle is owned or operated by occupant | YES | YES | YES vehicle must make actual contact with covered property | YES unless vehicle is owned or operated by occupant | YES unless vehicle is owned or operated by occupant | YES vehicle must make actual contact with covered property | YES unless vehicle is owned or operated by occupant | YES | YES vehicle must make actual contact with covered property | YES | YES | YES vehicle must make actual physical contact with covered property | YES only vehicles owned or operated by occupant. The vehicle must make actual physical contact with covered property |
| Damage resulting from Deterioration | NO | YES Damage resulting from deterioration is covered. Damage consisting of deterioration is not covered | YES Damage resulting from deterioration is covered. Damage consisting of deterioration is not covered | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES Damage resulting from deterioration is covered. Damage consisting of deterioration is not covered | NO | YES Damage resulting from deterioration is covered. Damage consisting of deterioration is not covered | YES Damage resulting from deterioration is covered. Damage consisting of deterioration is not covered | NO | NO |
| Damage resulting from Construction Defects | NO | YES Damage resulting from construction defect is covered. Damage consisting of the construction defect is not covered | YES Damage resulting from construction defect is covered. Damage consisting of the construction defect is not covered | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES Damage resulting from construction defect is covered. Damage consisting of the construction defect is not covered | NO | YES Damage resulting from construction defect is covered. Damage consisting of the construction defect is not covered | YES Damage resulting from construction defect is covered. Damage consisting of the construction defect is not covered | NO | NO |
| Additional Living Expenses (ALE) for perils other than mold | 10% of the dwelling limit | 20% of the dwelling limit of liability | 20% of the dwelling limit of liability | 20% of the dwelling limit | 20% of the dwelling limit of liability | 20% of the dwelling limit of liability | 20% of the limit of liability | 10% of the dwelling limit | 20% of the dwelling limit of liability | 20% of the dwelling limit | 20% of the dwelling limit of liability | 20% of the dwelling limit of liability | 10% of the dwelling limit | 20% of the dwelling limit of liability or twelve months |
Claims Settlement |
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| Dwelling | Actual Cash Value | Replacement Cost | Replacement Cost | Actual Cash Value replacement cost available by endorsement with or without replacement cost coverage for the roof | Replacement Cost | Replacement Cost | Actual Cash Value replacement cost can be added by endorsement with actual cash value for the roof | Actual Cash Value | Replacement Cost | Actual Cash Value replacement cost available by endorsement with or without replacement cost coverage for the roof | Replacement Cost | Replacement Cost | Replacement Cost | Replacement Cost |
| Personal Property | Actual Cash Value | Actual Cash Value Replacement cost can be added by endorsement | Actual Cash Value Replacement cost can be added by endorsement | Actual Cash Value replacement cost can be added by endorsement | Replacement Cost | Replacement Cost | Actual Cash Value replacement cost can be added by endorsement | Actual Cash Value | Actual Cash Value Replacement cost can be added by endorsement | Actual Cash Value replacement cost available by endorsement with or without replacement cost coverage for the roof | Actual Cash Value Replacement cost can be added by endorsement | Actual Cash Value Replacement cost can be added by endorsement | Replacement Cost | Actual Cash Value replacement cost can be added by endorsement |
Homeowners Insurance
(July 2007) Homeowners insurance protects you from financial losses caused by storms, fire, theft, and other events outlined in your policy. It is important to know what’s in your policy. Make sure you read your policy carefully and understand your specific coverages. It’s also important to know your rights. Texas has a Consumer Bill of Rights for homeowners and renters insurance. Your company must send the Bill of Rights with your policy or renewal. Don’t wait until you have a claim to review your policy and to know your rights. Texas Homeowners PoliciesYou can buy a dwelling policy that covers only the structure of your house. However, most homeowners buy policies that combine five different coverages in a single policy: Dwelling - pays for damage or destruction to your house and any unattached structures and buildings, such as fences, detached garages, and storage sheds. Personal property - pays for theft, damage, or destruction of the contents of your house, including furniture, clothing, and appliances Liability - protects you against financial loss if you are sued and found legally responsible for someone else’s injury or property damage. A homeowners policy automatically provides $25,000 in coverage. You can buy up to $1 million in coverage for an extra premium. Medical payments - pays medical bills for people hurt on your property. It also pays for some injuries that happen away from your home, such as your dog biting someone. A basic homeowners policy pays $500 in medical bills. You can pay extra and get up to $5,000 in medical payments coverage. Loss of use - pays additional living expenses if your home is too damaged to live in during repairs. Most policies pay 10 to 20 percent of the amount of your dwelling coverage. Types of PoliciesInsurance companies may sell several types of policies in Texas, each with a different level of coverage. Three of the policy forms available for sale in Texas – the HO-A, HO-B, and HO-C – are standardized. This means the policy language and coverages provided by these policies are the same, regardless of the company writing the policy. Although an HO-B policy written by one company will be exactly the same as an HO-B policy written by another company, the two companies may charge different rates. Companies may offer alternative policy forms, if approved in advance by the Commissioner of Insurance. These policies are not standardized and usually provide varying coverages. Read your policy carefully to know exactly what coverages are included. Some companies may sell more than one policy form but may offer only one
form to customers. If a company offers you a policy with less coverage than
you’d like, ask if other policy forms are available. You also may be able to
add additional coverage by buying endorsements to your base policy.
Approved alternative policies offer varying levels of coverage. Companies can sell alternative policies only if the policy form is approved in advance by the Commissioner of Insurance. These policies are not standardized. Coverage may differ considerably from one company to another and from the coverage provided in the standardized Texas homeowners policies. Generally, HO-B policies provide the most coverage for the price, but some companies do not offer the HO-B policy. For a side-by-side comparison of the coverages provided by the policy forms approved for sale in Texas, visit the website of the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) What Homeowners Policies Do and Don’t Cover
Companies may exclude coverage for certain losses. For example, if you live on the Gulf Coast, you might receive an endorsement that excludes coverage for wind and hail damage. In areas with a history of hail storms, some companies provide only actual cash value coverage instead of full replacement cost for roofs. Actual cash value pays for damage minus depreciation on the roof, depending on its age and condition. Most policies will not cover mold remediation beyond that necessary to repair or replace property damaged caused by a water loss otherwise covered by the policy. The HO-A policy doesn’t cover mold remediation or damage caused by water leaks, but some companies offer an endorsement that covers sudden and accidental water leaks. Some, but not all, of the other approved policy forms also cover sudden and accidental water leaks. Read your policy or ask your agent whether your policy covers water leaks and mold remediation. Insurance companies are required to offer you mold remediation coverage. Depending on the company, this coverage will be offered in dollar or percentage increments up to 100 percent of your policy’s limits. If you have questions or concerns about how a mold claim is being handled, or if you need information about how to minimize mold losses, ask your insurance company for a set of guidelines regarding mold claims. Also read TDI’s Handling Water-Damage and Mold Claims publication. Other Residential Policies
Maintain Adequate CoverageBuy enough coverage to avoid a major financial loss if your home is severely damaged or destroyed. This means keeping a realistic dollar amount of coverage on your house. Replacement Cost Coverage of Your HouseThe standardized HO-B and HO-C policies provide replacement cost coverage for your house, up to your policy’s dollar limits. Replacement cost is what you would pay to rebuild or repair your home, based on current construction costs. Replacement cost is different from market value and does not include the value of your land. If you are not sure of the amount it would cost to rebuild your home, your company or agent usually has construction cost tables to help you determine the cost. To receive full payment (minus your deductible) for a partial loss, such as a hail-damaged roof, you must insure your house for at least 80 percent of its replacement cost. If you insure your house for less than 80 percent of the full replacement cost, the insurance company will pay only part of the expense of a partial loss. Unless you buy an endorsement increasing your coverage, HO-A policies only provide actual cash value coverage. Actual cash value is the replacement cost of your property minus depreciation. If your home is destroyed and you only have actual cash value coverage, you may not be able to completely rebuild. If you have an HO-A amended policy or an approved alternative policy, read your policy carefully to know whether it offers replacement cost coverage or actual cash value coverage. Your Policy’s Dollar Limits are ImportantIf you insure your house for $100,000, that’s the most you will get if it’s destroyed, even if it would cost more to replace. The Declarations Page on the front of your policy shows how much coverage you have. Talk with your agent or company representative if you have any questions about your insurance limits. If a fire destroys your home, Texas law requires the insurance company to pay the full amount of the policy, even if this amount is more than the replacement cost. Don't wait until you have a claim to learn your policy’s limit. Coverage for Your Personal PropertyHO-B policies automatically cover household contents – furniture, clothes, appliances, etc. – up to 40 percent of the amount of your dwelling coverage. This means if your house is insured for $100,000, its contents are insured for up to $40,000. You can get more coverage by paying a higher premium. Personal property coverage pays only the actual cash value of damaged, stolen, or destroyed household goods unless you buy replacement cost coverage. Actual cash value is an item’s replacement cost, minus depreciation. Replacement cost coverage offers you more protection than actual cash value coverage. If a burglar steals your six-year-old television set, for example, and you only have actual cash value coverage, you get only what you would expect to pay for a six-year-old television set. With replacement cost coverage, the insurance company pays to replace your TV with a new set similar to the stolen one. Companies generally want you to prove that you replaced an item before they’ll pay your claim in full.. However, if you have an HO-B policy, the company must advance you the first $1,500, plus the depreciated value of any other damaged property, without requiring proof of replacement. After that, the company must pay you within five business days after receiving proof you replaced, restored, or repaired the property. A company can offer to replace the items instead of paying cash, but the choice is yours. Take Inventory of Your PropertyMany people learn after a fire or storm that they didn’t have enough personal property coverage. Making an inventory will help you decide how much insurance you need. It will also simplify claims. Your inventory should list each item, its purchase date, value, and serial number. Photograph or videotape each room, including closets, open drawers, storage buildings, and garage. Keep the inventory and receipts for major items in a fireproof place or another location. Homeowners insurance on certain personal items like jewelry and furs is limited. You may be able to buy more coverage for an extra premium. Other Types of Insurance You Might NeedFlood Insurance Texas ranks near the top of the nation in weather-related property damage each year. A large portion of this damage is caused by flooding. Homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. To protect yourself from losses caused by most flooding, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Local insurance agents sell NFIP flood policies and can tell you about the program in your area. For more information, call NFIP
If a lender determines that a property is in a special flood hazard area, the borrower is required to purchase flood insurance. A special flood hazard area has a 1 percent chance of being inundated by flood. Hurricanes and Windstorm Insurance The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state’s insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in the 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County on Galveston Bay. TWIA provides wind and hail coverage when insurance companies exclude it from homeowners and other property policies sold to coastal residents. You can buy TWIA coverage through local insurance agents if you need it. When a hurricane enters the Gulf of Mexico (80 degrees longitude and 20 degrees latitude), you can no longer change or purchase new windstorm coverage. If you plan to build, add to, or renovate a home or other structure and want TWIA coverage, you or your builder should request an inspection by a TDI windstorm inspector or a Texas licensed professional engineer appointed by TDI. Your agent can tell you how to get an inspection. For more information about windstorm coverage, contact TWIA
Earthquake Insurance If you are concerned about earthquakes, you can get coverage with a separate policy. The cost is relatively low because earthquakes are rare in Texas. Extra Coverage (Endorsements) You might want more coverage than your policy provides for certain items. For an extra premium, you may be able to buy endorsements that expand or increase the coverage on these items. Some of the most common endorsements expand or increase coverage for jewelry, fine arts, camera equipment, coin or stamp collections, computer equipment, and radio and television satellite dishes and antennas. Personal Umbrella Liability Insurance If you have assets to protect and want more liability coverage than a homeowners policy provides, you can buy a separate umbrella policy. Because policies vary, make sure the agent or company fully explains the coverage.
Shopping for Homeowners InsuranceRates vary widely among companies, so it pays to shop around. Following are some useful tips to help you find the best deal for your money:
Understanding RatesTexas law requires rates for insurance offered in Texas to be reasonable, adequate, not excessive to the risks for which they apply, and not unfairly discriminatory. All homeowners companies must file their rates for prior approval with TDI. The rate-filing process is complex, but in general, TDI reviews each company’s filed rates and underwriting guidelines and determines whether the rates and guidelines are appropriate. Companies may appeal adverse rate decisions in an administrative hearing and then in district court. If a company appeals a TDI rate decision, it may implement its filed rates pending the outcome of the appeal. If the appeal determines that the rates were indeed excessive, the company will be ordered to pay refunds, plus interest, to the policyholders it overcharged. Residential property rates utilize a system called “file and use.” Under this system, companies file their rates with TDI, but they do not need prior approval to implement new rates. If TDI determines that a company’s rates are excessive, the company can be ordered to pay refunds to the policyholders it overcharged. Companies can appeal adverse rate decisions. A company can change your individual premium only at your policy renewal time. Factors that Affect Your PremiumCompanies may use a number of criteria to establish your individual premium. These include:
Companies must file their underwriting guidelines with TDI and update them each time they make a change. DiscountsDiscounts can help you save money on your insurance. Companies may offer premium discounts if you take steps to reduce the chances of a loss. Each company sets the amount of the discounts if offers to its policyholders. Some of the more common discounts are listed below:
Having Trouble Insuring Your Home?If you are having difficulty finding a homeowners policy, it may be helpful to take steps to reduce your chances for a loss. Here are some things you can do: Remove Potential Risks You can make your home more insurable by changing things that insurance companies and agents interpret as signs of potential risk. Look around your home for problems that could cause damage or injury, such as a heavy tree limb hanging over your roof, loose porch railings, or cracks in your walkways. Watch Out for Crime Since theft is a common cause of homeowners claims, some insurers may not be willing to insure homes that seem vulnerable to crime. While you cannot stop crime by yourself, you can take a few steps to make yourself less vulnerable. These precautions could also lower your insurance premiums.
Maintain Your House and Yard Your home’s appearance is important when you’re looking for insurance. Since companies want to avoid losses from injuries or accidents, agents look for signs of poor maintenance. Agents might assume that a cluttered yard and faded paint suggest an unsafe home. The outside of your home will be inspected when you apply for insurance, often when you are not at home. Insurance companies have the right to cancel a policy within the first 60 days, and some may reject new customers because an inspection revealed a home in need of repair.
Other Options for Insuring Your HomeTexans having trouble finding homeowners insurance from licensed companies may have other options for coverage. The following programs may be able to help: Helpinsure.com Helpinsure.com is a free and secure service to help Texans shop online for homeowners insurance. When you sign up to participate in Helpinsure.com, agents and companies writing homeowners insurance in Texas will view your information and may contact you to discuss your insurance needs. In addition, you can find lists of companies writing new homeowners insurance in Texas and agents in your area. The Helpinsure.com website also has a Learning Center with useful information for homeowners shopping for coverage. For more information or to sign up, visit the Helpinsure.com website or call the toll-free number
Texas FAIR Plan Association The Texas FAIR Plan Association provides the standard Texas HO-A homeowners insurance policy form to qualified consumers. To be eligible for coverage, a consumer must have been denied insurance by at least two licensed insurance companies writing residential property insurance in Texas and may not have received a valid offer of comparable insurance from a company licensed in Texas. For more information, call TDI or contact the Texas FAIR Plan Association
If you’re still unable to find insurance, your last resort might be to obtain insurance from a surplus lines carrier. Surplus lines carriers are out-of-state companies not licensed in Texas, but legally eligible to sell insurance on risks that licensed companies won’t cover. Surplus lines carriers generally charge more than licensed companies and offer less coverage. Surplus lines carriers are not members of a guaranty association. This means that your claims might go unpaid if the surplus lines carrier becomes unable to pay its claims. Before you buy from a surplus lines carrier, make sure there are no other options. Agents must make a “diligent effort” to find coverage with a licensed company before offering you a surplus lines policy. Ask which licensed companies turned you down, and why. Companies must justify rejections.
Losing Your InsuranceKnowing your rights can help if you are rejected for homeowners insurance or lose your coverage. If you request it, a company must explain in writing its reason for declining, canceling, or not renewing your policy. Texas law prohibits companies from denying, canceling, or refusing to renew a policy solely on the basis of your credit. You may file a complaint with TDI if you believe a company improperly denied you insurance. CLUE®Many companies use the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) to review an applicant’s claims history. CLUE lists the property insurance claims history of houses – regardless of ownership – and individuals for the preceding three years. Federal law gives you the right to challenge wrong information. If an insurance company based part of its decision to deny you coverage on a CLUE report, you can get a free copy of the report by calling the ChoicePoint Consumer Center or visiting its website
Before calling, get the CLUE reference number from the company’s denial letter or from the company. Using the reference number will speed the process by making sure you are requesting the right report. CLUE is a registered trademark of Equifax Inc. Cancellation and NonrenewalCancellation means either you or the insurance company stops coverage before your policy’s normal expiration date. If either you or the company cancels your policy, the company must refund any premiums paid in advance that did not buy coverage. This amount is called the “unearned premium.” For example, if you paid an annual premium of $600 and you cancel your policy after one month, the company owes you $550 in unearned premium. Nonrenewal means a company refuses to renew your policy when it expires. A company must give you written notice at least 30 days before your policy’s expiration date. If the company does not notify you in writing in the required time, it must renew the policy at your request. Note: A company cannot nonrenew or raise your premium because of a claim you filed that was not paid or was not payable under your policy. Cancellation and Nonrenewal Summary for Residential Policies Cancellation Notice Required from Company: 10 days (30 days’ notice is required if the policy is canceled within the first 60 days) A company may cancel your policy within the first 60 days only if it identifies an undisclosed additional risk of loss that is not the subject of a prior claim. A company may not cancel your policy after 60 days, except for fraud, increased risk, or nonpayment of premium. Nonrenewal Notice required from Company: 30 days A company may nonrenew your policy for deterioration of your property or if you file three or more nonweather-related claims in three years. Exceptions:
A company may not nonrenew your policy for weather-related claims or for claims that were not paid or not payable under your policy. Keep in mind that if you move out of your house and it remains vacant for 60 days or longer, most policies automatically suspend coverage for damages. The policy’s liability coverages will continue, however. The vacancy also could cause the company to refuse to renew the policy when it expires. Your Rights Against Unfair DiscriminationAn insurance company cannot deny, refuse to renew, limit, or charge more for coverage because of your race, color, religion, or national origin. A company also cannot deny, refuse to renew, limit, or charge more for coverage because of your age, gender, marital status, geographic location, disability or partial disability, unless the refusal, limitation, or higher rate is “based on sound underwriting or actuarial principles.” Sound underwriting or actuarial principles means the company would have to show valid statistical evidence that your home presents a greater risk for a loss than other homes it is willing to insure. A company cannot unfairly discriminate between individuals of the same rate class and with essentially the same risk in its rates, policy terms, and benefits, or in any other manner unless the refusal, limitation, or higher rate is “based on sound actuarial principles. In addition, a company cannot refuse to insure a home based solely on its age or low value. Companies can offer discounts for newer homes and require updates to the wiring, plumbing, and heating systems before agreeing to insure an older home.
If You Have a ClaimIf you have a claim, the company must start investigating your claim within 15 days after receiving written notice. However, the company may ask you for more information. Once you send the information, the company has 15 business days to accept or reject your claim. If the company agrees to pay, it must do so within five business days. If the company rejects your claim, it must explain its reasons in writing. Exceptions:
A company that takes too long to pay is liable for your reasonable attorney fees plus damages equal to 18 percent of your claim if you sue and win. In an insurance claim lawsuit, the insurance company has the burden of proving it was not obligated to pay. If you are financing your home, your insurance company may require your lender to sign or approve your claim check. When this happens, the lender must act within 10 business days after receiving the request. Failure to act within this time period could result in a $500 civil penalty. Complaints about lenders failing to process claim payments should be directed to the Texas Attorney General’s Office
Claim TipsTo make the claim process run smoothly and to protect your rights, follow these steps:
Proof of loss. Within 15 days after you report your loss, the company may request a signed, notarized proof-of-loss form. In most cases, the company will ask you to estimate the replacement cost of the household items you lost and the cost of repairing your home. Contractors, catalogs, and retailers are good sources of current price information.
Final estimate. The adjuster will prepare an estimate of the cost to repair or replace your home and any personal belongings. The insurance company’s offer is based on this estimate. Disputes. If you disagree with the adjuster’s estimate, tell the company why. The company may have overlooked something and may make adjustments. If you still disagree, you can use a process called appraisal. The appraisal process governs only disputes over the amount to be paid. It is not for settling disputes about coverage or the cause of a loss. You and the company each hire an appraiser. The two appraisers then choose a third one as umpire. Your appraiser and the company’s appraiser make their own estimates of your loss. If they differ, the umpire makes the final decision, which is binding on both you and the company. You are responsible for the expenses of your appraiser and for half of the umpire’s expenses. Public insurance adjusters. Public insurance adjusters charge fees to help negotiate claim settlements with insurance companies. If you hire a public adjuster, you may have less money to repair or replace your property. The public adjuster’s fee may be a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the amount paid in the settlement of the claim. The method for calculating the commission must be included in the public adjuster’s contract with you, along with a statement that the adjuster’s commission may not exceed 10 percent of the entire claim. In some instances, a public adjuster is entitled only to reasonable compensation for time and expenses. Public adjusters may not give legal advice and may not participate, either directly or indirectly, in the reconstruction or repair of your damaged property. They are also prohibited from engaging in any activity that would be a conflict of interest. Should you choose to hire a public adjuster, make sure the public adjuster is licensed by TDI. To learn whether a public adjuster is licensed, call TDI’s Consumer Help Line or use the “Insurer Search” feature on TDI’s website. Payment. Once the company agrees to pay all or part of your claim, it must do so within five business days. If you don’t get your check within five days, contact your agent or company. If you believe that the company is delaying payment intentionally, contact TDI for help. Note: Most companies pay homeowners claims with two checks. The first, issued after the adjuster reviews your loss, is for the estimated cost of repairs, minus depreciation and your deductible. The company issues the second check for the balance of your claim after receiving the contractor’s bill for the finished job, as long as the repairs or replacements are completed within 365 days of the date of loss. You may submit a written request for an additional 180 days extension. Getting Help from TDICompanies are subject to penalties if they fail to settle claims promptly and fairly. If you believe an insurance company has treated you unfairly, first contact your company and try to resolve the problem. Most companies operating in Texas are required to have a toll-free telephone line to provide customer assistance. The number should be listed in your policy. If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, contact TDI to file a complaint. You may file an insurance-related complaint with TDI several ways:
For More Information or AssistanceFor answers to general insurance questions or for information on filing an insurance-related complaint, visit our website or call the Consumer Help Line between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central time, Monday-Friday
For printed copies of consumer publications, call the 24-hour Publications Order Line
Help us prevent insurance fraud. To report suspected fraud, call our toll-free Fraud Hot Line
To report suspected arson or suspicious activity involving fires, call the State Fire Marshal’s 24-hour Arson Hot Line
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Homeowners insurance provides you financial protection in the event that your home is destroyed or damaged due to unforeseen or a catastrophic event. In addition to your home, homeowners insurance also covers your belongings (or personal property) and can reimburse you for medical expenses and liability claims resulting from property damage or personal injury to other people caused by you or members of your family. There are two basic types of homeowners coverage: ALL RISK COVERAGE - offers broad protection and covers all perils unless they are specifically excluded by the policy, and NAMED PERILS COVERAGE - offers narrower protection than an all risk policy and covers only those perils specifically named under the policy. A named perils policy will also contain exclusions to perils named under the policy. Policies also offer different methods of repairing or replacing your property: REPLACEMENT COST - pays for all necessary expenses associated with rebuilding, replacing ,or repairing damaged property, up to the policy limits , and , less any applicable deductible amount. This coverage generally provides customers with the largest amount of financial recovery from a covered loss as an insurance company must repair or replace covered property up the full dollar amount required to provide products or materials of equal workmanship, like kind, and/or quality to up to your policy limits. Even if this means replacing older products with a newer product of equal workmanship , like kind , or quality where repairs to your are property are not possible or prudent; within the insurers judgment. To receive full replacement cost you must actually replace such property per the terms of your policy; other wise you will only receive payment of your claim at Actual Cash Value. Without question replacement cost coverage produces the greatest level of customer satisfaction when customers receive insurance claim payments. ACTUAL CASH VALUE - factors in depreciation costs to your claim and pays you the costs to replace or repair the damaged property, less this depreciation and less any applicable deductible amount. Increased Personal Liability Coverage Limits Are Always Recommended Please keep in mind that you are responsible for any amount of a covered personal liability loss that exceeds the amount of personal liability insurance coverage you purchase under your homeowners policy; therefore we highly recommend you consider securing higher limits of personal liability insurance coverage under your homeowners policy to protect your assets in the event of a large liability settlement or where a count renders a judgment against you for a large dollar amount. We would also recommend you request a quote for a Personal Umbrella Liability Policy for those unforeseen or catastrophic events where you might be found liable for an amount exceeding your homeowners policy limits . Recent court judgments have given substantial awards to claimants for wrongful death , pain & suffering due to injuries , medical expenses , loss of income, and property damage due to the negligence of another party ( at fault homeowner ) involved in an personal liability cases. Important Questions to Ask Your Homeowners AgentCOVERAGE QUESTIONS:
BUYBACK COVERAGE: available by endorsement, buybacks return coverage for certain perils that are excluded by the base policy.
RATING QUESTIONS:
NEVER take “It’s basically the same coverage as you had before” for an answer; always ask the agent to provide you with a detailed written summary of the major coverages provided.
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Commercial buildings, business personal property, townhouses and condominiums. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For additional details, click p. 48 - Building Code Compliance Information from TWIA Instructions and Guidelines Manual and click the Insurable Property Section of TWIA's Plan of Operation located on TDI's site under the Texas Administrative Code (Title 28, Part I, Chapter 5, Subchapter E, Division I, Rule 5.4001, Item Number (1) The Policy (B) Insurable Property).
Residential
Insured Item:
Dwelling or
Farm and Ranch Dwelling
Applies to dwelling, its personal property, and dwelling outbuildings on a per item basis. For full details, see TWIA Instructions and Guidelines Manual, (Rating) pp. 41-44.
Mobile Home
Commercial
Insured Item:
All commercial,
including
Farm and Ranch Barns,
Miscellaneous Farm Property, Apartments, Townhouses, Condos
For full details, see TWIA Instructions and Guidelines Manual pp. 21-22 and 24-25.
Description
Residential
Dwelling Building and Contents
Dwellings, including individually owned townhouse units and associated corporeal moveable property.
Apartment, Condo, Townhouse
Contents Only
Individually owned corporeal moveable property located in an apartment unit, residential condominium unit, or townhouse unit that is occupied by the owner of that property.
Mobile Home
Building and Contents
Commercial
Commercial
Building and Contents
Commercial structure other than a dwelling or public building and the corporeal moveable property located in that structure.
Governmental
Building and Contents
Governmental buildings and corporeal moveable property located in that structure.
For more information about obtaining or maintaining windstorm insurance coverage when you build, remodel, add-on, repair or re-roof a structure, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) encourages you to contact your insurance agent or the Windstorm Inspection Division of TDI at 800-248-6032 or via e-mail.
***Application Status/Re-Print of Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8)***
 | Product Evaluation Index |
| Asphalt Shingle Products That Conform to ASTM D 3161, Modified to 110 mph |
| Asphalt Shingle Products That Conform to UL 2218 |
| Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers Contact Information |
| Submittal Requirements for Product Evaluation Checklist Form PDF | Word |
| Testing Facilities |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Building Code
| Building Code Specifications |
| Texas Revisions to Building Code Specifications |
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TDI AutoCAD Details This is a .zip file that may be downloaded. |
| APA
AutoCAD Details This link will take you directly to APA's AutoCAD webpage. |
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