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Is Flood Insurance Required in Texas?

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Whether you’ve just put a down payment on a home in Texas or you’ve been a proud Lone Star State homeowner for years, it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your property. While you may already have homeowners insurance, the truth is that it may not cover every damaging situation, like flooding. But do you actually need flood insurance?

In order to make the right decision for your home, it’s important to understand what Texas law says about flood insurance as well as other circumstances where it may be required. Serving the Tomball, TX area and beyond, our knowledgeable team at Great Southern Agency is here to help.

Is Flood Insurance Required in Texas?

For general homeowners, flood insurance is not legally required in Texas. But just because the law does not mandate flood coverage, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook just yet! If you have a mortgage, there’s a strong chance you’re required as per the agreement to get flood insurance. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to go over your mortgage documents carefully with an insurance agent or give your lender a call for clarification.

Are Homes in Texas at Risk of Flooding?

Texas is a large state with a diverse landscape, not to mention differing amounts of precipitation. Many homes are in regions not considered at high risk of flooding, but many others are. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), about 7 percent of homes in Texas are at high risk. 

For better clarification, it’s worth finding out what kind of flood zone your property sits in. For example, if you’re in a Special Flood Hazard Risk area, your home is considered to have a 25 percent (1 in 4) chance of flooding within 30 years.

Learn More About Your Flood Insurance Options Today

Even if your home is not in a high-risk zone, it’s important to be aware that your home may still have a chance of flooding. To learn more about your risk and your options for coverage, give us a call. At Great Southern Agency, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners across the Tomball, TX area get the right amount of protection for their homes.

Will my condo insurance cover the repair of my stove?

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Condo insurance is similar to homeowner’s insurance in that it provides coverage for your home, personal belongings, and liability coverage. However, it differs from homeowners insurance in that it only covers the interior of your condo and not the external, public areas of your condo. You pay a condo fee to cover the care and management of the external areas of your condo.

Our team at Great Southern Agency wants Tomball, TX condo owners to understand what’s covered by their condo insurance policy.

What is Condo Insurance?

Condo insurance is insurance designed to pay for the repair of your unit and/or belongings if they are destroyed or damaged by a covered circumstance or event. Theft, some natural disasters, fire, and vandalism or examples of some of the things covered by your condo insurance policy.

Condo insurance can also provide coverage for living expenses if a covered situation or circumstance occurs, as well as coverage for liability claims. 

Will my condo insurance cover the repair of my stove?

Yes. However, your condo insurance will only pay for the repair of your stove if it was damaged as a result of an incident that is covered by your insurance policy. Usually, a condo insurance policy will pay for your damaged appliance if it was damaged by lightning, fire, a damaged floor, burst pipes, or some other covered incident.

Your condo insurance will NOT pay for the repair of your stove if it’s damaged or not functioning as a result of natural wear and tear.

Give Us A Call

If you want to develop a better understanding of how your condo insurance works and what’s covered, call us at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX. We’d be happy to answer your questions. 

I have a fifth wheel. Do I need recreational insurance?

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Many people enjoy having a home on wheels. They’re able to travel and take their homes with them, eliminating the need for a hotel. However, the type of travel trailer, camper, or RV you have will determine the type of insurance you’ll need. An RV or recreational vehicle with a motor will require RV insurance because it’s still a motorized vehicle like a car. If you drive a motorized RV, you’re legally required to carry RV insurance.

Our Great Southern Agency team understands that it may be confusing to determine insurance requirements for recreational vehicles. We’re committed to educating our Tomball, TX residents regarding state requirements. 

What is RV Insurance?

RV insurance, similar to auto insurance, provides protection for RV drivers from excessive costs from damage to their RV or others if they are found at fault for an accident. RV insurance can even help pay for out-of-pocket costs for damage to your RV. This includes any breakdown you may have while driving your RV.

Recreational vehicle owners should note that not all campers require owners to carry RV insurance. If you own a non-motorized camper or RV, you’re not required to carry RV insurance. However, it may still be beneficial for you to invest in insurance for your specific type of camper. 

I have a fifth wheel. Do I need recreational insurance?

A fifth wheel doesn’t have a motor. As a result, you’re not required to carry RV insurance. However, if you’re in an accident while towing your fifth wheel, your car insurance may not pay to repair any damage to your fifth wheel. As a result, it may be a good idea to invest in travel trailer insurance. Travel trailer insurance will pay for the repair or replacement of your fifth wheel if it’s damaged or stolen.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions about insurance for your fifth wheel, camper, or recreational vehicle, we’d be happy to answer them. Call us at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX.

Are You a Renter? Protect Your Belongings with Renters Insurance

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Are you a renter that lives in the Tomball, TX area? Did you know that renters insurance is as important to you as homeowners insurance is to a homeowner? Let the professionals at the Great Southern Agency explain why.

Why Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance, sometimes called tenants’ insurance, provides some of the benefits of a homeowners’ insurance policy. However, it does not cover the dwelling or structure. The owner of the building has insurance to cover the structure and has no responsibility for the tenant’s personal property.

Renters insurance provides liability coverage in the event someone gets hurt while visiting you. If you couldn’t pay their medical expenses and they sued you, how could you cover court costs? You will have coverage to cover an injury to a visitor, or if your dog bites someone.

The tenant’s personal belongings are covered against theft, fire, vandalism, or weather event.

It will also provide temporary accommodation if the unit becomes uninhabitable while repairs are made. Most renters insurance includes coverage for any additional expenses incurred during that time. If your rent is $950 per month, but you are unable to live in it for the next month while repairs are underway, your renter’s policy would cover additional living expenses beyond the $950 for hotel, meals, etc.

Because renters insurance mainly protects the renter’s personal property against loss and provides liability coverage, it is considerably less expensive than a homeowners’ policy. Premiums across the country average between $15 and $30 per month based on the size of the unit, your possessions, and the location. For the cost of two movie tickets or the cost of a lunch or two, you can protect your personal property and have liability coverage as well.

Contact Us Today

Don’t leave your personal property unprotected. Contact our team at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX to get the protection you need for your belongings.

Who needs motorcycle insurance in Texas?

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If you reside or work in the Tomball, TX area, you will likely know how important it is that you have a reliable way to get around town. As you are looking for a new mode of transportation here, choosing a motorcycle can be a good option. If you do have a motorcycle, it will give you a fun and efficient way to get around. When you drive one of these vehicles, you also need insurance for it in various situations.

Why Motorcycle Insurance?

When Taking Out a Loan

A situation when you will need to have an insurance plan for your motorcycle will come when you take out a loan. As a motorcycle can be an expensive asset, taking out a loan to finance it is common. If you do take out a loan, you will need to meet any requirements set by the lender. In most cases, this will include having a motorcycle insurance policy as it helps to protect the lender’s collateral.

When Driving on Public Road

You also will need to have a motorcycle insurance plan when you intend to drive the car on a public road. If you want to use any type of vehicle on a road in Texas, you need to carry liability insurance. This coverage is important as it ensures you can cover the costs of damage that may be caused during an accident. Without coverage, you will also be in violation of state law. 

Get Motorcycle Insurance Today

Those that live in the Tomball, TX area need to ensure they always have proper insurance. Once you are ready to start looking for coverage, it would be wise to call the Great Southern Agency. There are a lot of important choices to make and the Great Southern Agency can help you build a plan that will meet your needs. 

What To Do If You Damage Someone Else’s Property With Your Boat

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No one likes to think about the possibility of damaging someone else’s property, but it’s always best to be prepared for the worst. So, what happens if you accidentally damage another person’s property with your boat? Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX is here to explain the steps you should take.

What Steps You Should Take

The first thing you should do is assess the situation and determine whether or not anyone is hurt. If there are any injuries, call 911 immediately. Once you’ve determined that everyone is safe, you should try to locate the property owner so that you can let them know what happened and offer to pay for any damages. If the owner isn’t around, leave a note with your contact information and an explanation of what happened. 

Next, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to inform them about the incident. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much your policy will cover. Once you have an estimate of the damages, you can begin making repairs. 

If the repairs are minor, you may be able to handle them yourself. However, if the damage is more severe, you’ll need to hire a professional. Be sure to get multiple estimates before making a decision, as repair costs can vary significantly from one contractor to the next. 

Contact Us Today

No one wants to think about damaging someone else’s property, but it’s always best to be prepared for the worst. If you accidentally damage another person’s property with your boat, you should first assess the situation and determine whether or not anyone is hurt. If there are any injuries, call 911 immediately. Once you’ve determined that everyone is safe, try to locate the owner of the property so that you can let them know what happened and offer to pay for any damages.

Contact Great Southern Agency or come to our offices in Tomball, TX for comprehensive insurance services.

How Umbrella Insurance Works

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When you have auto and home insurance already, you might not have all of the protection you need to keep you from being financially vulnerable. It’s a good idea to have an umbrella insurance policy in order to leave yourself better protected in the event of an accident. When you want to be well-protected, call us today at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX to learn more about umbrella insurance and to get started. 

Umbrella Insurance and Liability

When you own a home and a vehicle, you have liability for certain accidents that can happen. In your home, it’s possible for a third party to come to your home and to have an accident there that leaves them injured, and you would be liable for their medical bills. In your vehicle, auto accidents are common, and you are liable for paying for the medical bills of those who are injured when you are at fault for the accident. Umbrella insurance adds liability coverage onto both of these policies so that you are better protected against both of these types of accidents with just one policy. 

Insurance Payments

When there is an accident in your vehicle or in your home, and you are liable for paying for someone’s injuries, your home or auto policy will come into the picture first. The home or auto policy will pay for the resulting bills up to its stated maximum payment amount. After that, your umbrella policy will step in to pay what is left over so that you aren’t left holding the bill for overages. This can save you a lot of money with better liability coverage.

Get Your Umbrella Policy

If you want to be better covered for liability, it’s smart to have umbrella insurance. Call us at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Total Home Replacement?

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You must have flood insurance if your home is in a flood zone. But what does that mean? And what does it cover? Most people think flood insurance is something that covers the damage caused by water. And while that’s true, it’s not the entire story. Flood insurance also covers the cost of rebuilding your home if it’s destroyed. Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX offers this guide in navigating this important insurance coverage. 

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

The first question you need to ask is whether you’re required to have flood insurance. There are a few ways to find out. First, check your mortgage documents. If your lender says you need flood insurance, then you do. It’s that simple.

Second, check your local flood maps. If you live in a high-risk area, you probably need flood insurance. FEMA designates these areas as having a 1% or greater chance of flooding any year.

Your Great Southern Agency representative can help determine if you need flood insurance and how much coverage is right for you.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Most people think flood insurance is something that covers the damage caused by water. And while that’s true, it’s not the entire story. Flood insurance also covers the cost of rebuilding your home if it’s destroyed.

Flood insurance covers buildings and personal belongings. This coverage includes the structure of your home, including the foundation. Personal items can include items like furniture, clothing, and appliances.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

The cost of flood insurance depends on several factors, including the value of your home, location, and the amount of coverage you need.

Give Us A Call

The best way to get an accurate price for flood insurance in Tomball, TX is to speak with a Great Southern Agency representative. We’ll work with you to determine the right amount of coverage for your needs and get you the best possible price.

The Dos and Don’ts of Condo Insurance

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Owning a condominium comes with a unique set of responsibilities. Not only are you responsible for the maintenance of your unit, but you also share common areas with your neighbors. As a result, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage in place in case of an accident or incident. But with so many different options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX offers this guide in navigating this important coverage.

The Dos and Don’ts of Condo Insurance

Do: Make Sure Your Condominium Association Has Insurance

Your condominium association is responsible for insuring the common areas of your building, such as the lobby, hallways, and roof. However, this insurance does not cover your personal belongings or unit. That’s why it’s important to have your own condo insurance policy in place.

Don’t: Rely on Your Condominium Association’s Insurance for Everything

While your condominium association’s insurance will cover some things, it’s important to remember that it will not cover your personal belongings or unit. That’s why you must have your own condo insurance policy.

Do: Know What Your Condominium Association’s Master Policy Covers

Before purchasing a condo insurance policy, it’s important to know what coverage your condominium association’s master policy provides. This will help you avoid duplication of coverage and ensure you’re properly protected.

Don’t: Forget About Personal Liability Coverage

Personal liability coverage is important for any type of insurance policy, but it’s especially important for condo owners. This coverage will protect you in the event that someone is injured in your unit or if you’re found responsible for damages to another unit.

Do: Consider Additional Coverage for High-Value Items

If you have any high-value items in your unit, such as jewelry, art, or electronics, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage for them. Many condo insurance policies limit the amount of coverage for personal belongings, so it’s important to ensure you’re properly protected.

Don’t: Wait Until Something Happens to Get Insurance

It’s important to remember that insurance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And, like any other type of insurance, it’s important to have it in place before you need it. Waiting until something happens to get insurance is not only risky, but it could also be too late.

Get Condo Insurance in Tomball, TX

The bottom line is that condo insurance is a must for all owners. By following the dos and don’ts above, you can ensure you’re properly protected. If you have any questions about your coverage or if you need help finding the right policy for your needs, contact Great Southern Agency today. We’re here to help.

What Are Some Common Recreational Activities That Are Covered?

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Recreational activities covered by insurance can vary by company. Most standard plans cover activities like skiing, scuba diving, and snowboarding. You might need to upgrade your plan or get additional coverage to participate in more dangerous activities like rock climbing or skydiving. 

Many insurance companies also offer add-on plans that let you extend your coverage to activities like hiking, camping, and sightseeing. These plans are less expensive than purchasing a plan for every activity. You may however have a higher deductible, limit on benefits, or a smaller coverage limit. Some insurers offer special policies for kids. It’s advisable to shop around and compare different plans to find the right fit for you.  Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX offers you this guide in navigating recreational insurance.

What Are Some Common Recreational Activities That Are Covered?

Insurance can be used to protect against the cost of many leisure activities, such as sports, travel, and hobbies. If something happens that causes you to pay high medical bills, your policy could cover it. 

If you are on vacation and are involved in an automobile accident, that could be covered by your policy. Your policy could cover if you are taking up a new hobby, such as collecting stamps, and it damages someone else’s property.

If you are taking a trip and are delayed due to bad weather, your policy could cover that. 

The list of activities that your health insurance may cover can vary by plan. Many plans offer partial or full coverage for fitness activities like yoga and weight lifting. It may include other activities like sailing and ice skating. 

Some plans may also offer coverage for diet and nutrition programs, ranging from Weight Watchers to a program that helps you increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. 

Finally, you may also be covered if you undergo a treatment such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or physical therapy to help you manage stress, impacting your physical health. For recreational activities’ coverage, consult Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX.

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