Galveston and the Texas Gulf Coast are truly special to those of us who live, work, and play here. Art, culture, history, and the natural beauty of the coast give us many reasons to celebrate, especially during the summer months.
Unfortunately, now is also the time to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane or tropical storm. Rochkind Insurance is here to make sure you’re covered with the security of hurricane insurance – including flood insurance, windstorm insurance, and homeowners – for your peace of mind during hurricane season. We offer an unparalleled and personal level of expertise, because Galveston is our home, too.
Keeping yourself and your loved ones out of harm’s way is the first and most important priority during a hurricane or other major storm. Having the proper supplies on hand and a plan in place can make a world of difference. Keep our hurricane preparation checklist handy so you’ll be ready in advance, whether it’s safer to evacuate or to shelter in place and wait out the hurricane. Also, please don’t take risks! Listen carefully to the guidance of your local Galveston and Texas authorities before making a decision to stay home or evacuate. If you’re evacuating, be sure to do so before it may be too late. If you’re sheltering in place, Mama Franie suggests Mother Mary candles and snickers bars.
While the skies and the shores of the Texas Gulf Coast are still fairly calm, it’s the right time to take a look at what types of home insurance and flood insurance you’ll need to weather a potentially active hurricane season in or near Galveston. In fact, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy can be activated, unless required by a mortgage. Choosing your policy now means you can be covered for the peak of the hurricane season in August and September.
Your Hurricane Season Insurance Guide
Home insurance for hurricanes presents a unique challenge if you live in the Galveston or Texas Gulf Coast area, as some insurance providers may not offer flood insurance or coverage for windstorms. Here are some things to keep in mind during your hurricane preparation if you live on or near the coast:
- Your home insurance may cover structural damage, but may not cover all of your precious belongings or medical payments. Check your policy carefully to see if you may need additional coverage to protect you during hurricane season, or whether a new and more comprehensive plan is a better option.
- Flood insurance is a must for the Galveston and Gulf Coast area. Even if you don’t live directly on the Texas coast, catastrophic flooding can strike at any time, and not just in high-risk areas. Flood insurance for hurricanes ensures that you won’t be stuck with an expensive bill for water damage.
- Don’t forget your car! Hurricanes and tropical storms along the Texas Gulf Coast claim countless vehicles, so double-check that you have the right level of car insurance to repair or replace your vehicle if needed.
- Keep digital copies of insurance policies. When time is of the essence, the last thing you’ll want to worry about in an evacuation is stacks of paperwork. Be sure to store digital copies of your home insurance, flood insurance, car insurance, and other policies where you’ll be able to access them through your phone or laptop (such as iCloud or Google Drive).
- When the storm has passed, take extra precautions as you assess any damage to your home. Read our helpful guide to learn what to do after a hurricane, including how to report your home insurance claims, find emergency assistance, and avoid scams.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can be frightening, but having a plan in place can help you focus on your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Rochkind Insurance is your partner in customizing home and flood insurance coverage for your personal needs, so you can get back to living comfortably as soon as possible after a hurricane. To find out more about how we can help, call our experts here in Galveston at 409-770-9503, or contact us online.
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