SAN ANTONIO – From hailstorms and flash floods to wildfires and tornadoes, Texans are no strangers to extreme weather. But while storms may last only a few hours, their impact can linger for years through rising insurance costs and changing policy terms.
Homeowners should not wait for a storm to hit to find out what their policy covers, according to KSAT Weather Authority Meteorologist Shelby Ebertowski.
As insurance companies face increasing payouts tied to weather-related damage, many are adjusting how they assess risk, which can affect homeowners across Texas.
Texas routinely experiences a wide range of weather hazards. One week may bring triple-digit temperatures and elevated wildfire danger, while the next brings damaging winds, hail and flooding.
According to Rich Johnson, director of communications for the Insurance Council of Texas, insurance companies are responding to those growing risks in several ways.
“We’ve seen a couple of different strategies,” Johnson said. “There’s been some changes in deductibles, but there’s also been price increases. We’ve seen our home insurance and even auto insurance increase, especially after the last five years.”
Insurance companies evaluate how frequently weather events occur, how costly the damage is and how much risk they are willing to take on when setting rates and policy terms.
Hail remains a top concern for insurers
For many Texas homeowners, hail presents one of the biggest financial risks.
“Hail is the number one payout that the insurance company is concerned about right now, just because of that frequency and severity,” Johnson said.
While hail can dent vehicles, damage windows and crack siding, roof damage often represents the largest expense.
“Aside from a total replacement of a home after something like a devastating fire, that roof is the biggest expense that insurance companies are paying out on,” Johnson said.
North and Central Texas have experienced several major hail events in recent years, contributing to increased claim costs statewide.
Flood insurance often requires separate coverage
Flooding is another major threat in South Central Texas, where heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and create dangerous flash flooding conditions.
However, many homeowners may be surprised to learn that a standard homeowners insurance policy generally does not cover flood damage.
“Your typical homeowner’s policy does not cover flood,” Johnson said.
Flood insurance is usually purchased separately, often through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers. Johnson said homeowners should not assume they are safe simply because they live outside a designated flood zone.
Wildfire risk extends beyond rural areas
Extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions can also increase wildfire risk, particularly during Texas summers.
Experts recommend homeowners take steps to reduce their vulnerability by creating what is known as “defensible space” around their property. That can include clearing brush, removing dead vegetation and keeping other flammable materials away from structures.
“Make sure that you can afford those deductibles,” Johnson said. “Shop around, get the best price you can, but there are things that you can start doing to your home, especially when it comes to wildfires.”
Texas ranks among the most weather-vulnerable states
Insurance companies are also factoring in risks from tornadoes, hurricanes, damaging wind and lightning strikes.
“Texas really ranks in the top five for every insurable peril, whether that’s flood, hail, wind, tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning strikes,” Johnson said. “All of those things are playing an effect in Texas.”
As those risks continue to shape the insurance landscape, homeowners may see higher premiums, higher deductibles or changes in available coverage options.
Insurance experts recommend reviewing policies before severe weather strikes.
Homeowners should:
- Understand their deductible amounts
- Review coverage limits and exclusions
- Check whether flood insurance is needed
- Document property conditions before storm season
- Shop around for competitive rates when policies renew
“The biggest thing is to go ahead and check your deductibles, check your coverages, and make sure that you know those things,” Johnson said. “And look into flood insurance.”
KSAT meteorologists keep you on top of the ever-changing South Texas weather.
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