What Does Home Insurance Actually Cover in Texas?

Most people don’t look at their home insurance until something goes wrong. Then they find out their policy doesn’t cover what they thought it did, and that’s a tough moment. A quick review now can save you a real headache later.

Here’s a plain-English breakdown of what a standard Texas homeowners policy typically covers and what it doesn’t.

What’s Usually Covered

A standard Texas homeowners policy (HO-3) typically covers these things:

Your home’s structure. Fire, hail, wind, lightning, or a falling tree. Your policy typically helps cover repairs or a full rebuild.

Your personal belongings. Furniture, electronics, clothing, and other items inside your home if they’re damaged or stolen.

Liability. If someone gets hurt on your property and sues you, your policy can help cover legal costs and damages.

Additional living expenses. If your home becomes unlivable after a covered event, your policy can help pay for temporary housing while repairs happen.

What’s Usually NOT Covered

This is where a lot of Texas homeowners get caught off guard. Standard policies typically do not cover:

Flood damage. This is a big one in Texas. Flooding requires a separate flood insurance policy, often through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

Earthquakes. Rare in most of Texas, but worth knowing especially in areas near oil and gas activity.

Normal wear and tear. If your roof is just old and leaking, that’s maintenance, not a covered claim.

Pests and mold. Termites, mice, and mold damage are generally excluded unless the mold results directly from a covered event.

Texas-Specific Things to Know

Texas has its own homeowners policy forms (HO-A and HO-B) that differ from what you’d get in most other states. Coverage rules vary between them, so knowing which one you have matters.

Many Texas policies also carry a separate deductible specifically for hail and wind damage. It’s usually a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a flat dollar amount. That can add up quickly. Make sure you know what yours is before storm season hits.

Quick Takeaways

Standard policies cover fire, wind, hail, theft, liability, and temporary living costs. Flood insurance is separate and very important in Texas. Check your hail and wind deductible, it may be higher than you think. Know whether you have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage. When in doubt, give us a call, that’s what we’re here for.