Texas is unlike any other state in the country for a host of reasons and there are some unique things you should know about insurance before you move here.

We talked with Check Out DFW Expert John Powell, Principal Agent for the Powell Agency, based in Plano, about what to expect for homeowners and renters.

Powell said those in Texas tend to get more use out of their policies, but it’s not from what you might expect.

“Some of the major concerns we hear from clients moving into Texas are questions around tornados and hailstorms however, those tend to be pretty infrequent with the average North Texas roof being replaced due to hail damage once every seven years or so,” he explained. 

What he said his office does see is wind-driven rain, wind damage to shingles, slow-leaks, service line claims, equipment breakdown, tree damage, windshield chips and towing/roadside service claims on a far more frequent basis. 

Powell offered the following things to keep in mind when shopping for your home and auto insurance as a new Texan:

• There’s really no such thing as expensive or inexpensive insurance – Texas law requires insurance companies to charge rates that are fair, reasonable, and adequate for the risks they cover.

• Many of the claims Powell sees are most often excluded from Texas Homeowners policies however, some insurance carriers will allow you to buy endorsements to close those gaps – make sure you ask about endorsements so you can have the protection you’d like.

• On average, 51% of Texans are either uninsured or underinsured – make sure to look into Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage – this protection tends to be very inexpensive and it’s something you’ll want at the time of a claim.

• Ask if you qualify for an Umbrella Policy.  As the saying goes: when it rains, it pours, and an Umbrella Policy can help provide excess liability coverage should you find yourself or a family member responsible for unintentionally injuring another.  These policies tend to cost less than $1.00/day and are invaluable if you ever find yourself needing one.

Powell said perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is making sure you ask lots of question and take an interest in designing your insurance policies. 

“Many people see insurance as a one-size fits all solution, thanks in part to a lot of clever advertising,” he said. “The truth is, an insurance policy is a legally binding document between you, as the insured, and the insurer – you want to ensure that your policy is going to perform the way you want it to at claims time. In short, focus on the coverage, premium is heavily regulated and there are only a few things you can do to control cost: reduce protection or increase deductibles.”