Free checklist · Texas homeowners
The Texas New Homeowner Insurance Checklist
25 items to review before your first policy renews. Many new homeowners miss several of these.
What this checklist covers:
Coverage basics (HO-3)
Texas-specific gaps
Valuation issues
Liability exposures
Flood and windstorm
Annual review triggers
Preview (first 5 items):
Confirm dwelling coverage = replacement cost, not market value
In Texas, replacement cost can differ significantly from the purchase price.
Add a separate flood policy
Never covered in a standard HO-3. Price it regardless of flood zone.
Add a water backup and sewer rider
Covers sewer backups and sump pump failures. Excluded from standard policies.
Check personal property coverage limit
Default is usually 50-70% of dwelling coverage. May not cover all your belongings.
Verify jewelry and valuables are scheduled
Standard policies cap jewelry at $1,500-2,500. Schedule valuable items separately.
20 more items below the fold. Enter your info to unlock the full checklist.
Section 2: Liability and additional coverage
Check personal liability limit (min $300,000 recommended)
Default is often $100K. Increase to $300K or $500K for meaningful protection.
Add a personal umbrella policy ($1M minimum)
Adds liability on top of your home and auto. Costs $150-300/year. Essential if you have assets to protect.
Pool, trampoline, or dog: confirm liability coverage
Some carriers exclude or limit coverage for these. Verify your policy or add an endorsement.
Add loss of use coverage (ALE) for at least 12 months
Pays for hotel and living costs if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.
Section 3: Texas wind, hail, and weather
Check for a separate wind/hail deductible
Many TX policies have a 1-2% wind/hail deductible separate from your standard deductible. On a $400K home that is $4,000-8,000 out of pocket.
Coastal counties: check windstorm exclusion
Properties in the TWIA-eligible area may need a separate Texas Windstorm policy for hurricane coverage.
Check freeze coverage (water pipes bursting)
After Winter Storm Uri, many TX homeowners discovered freeze damage exclusions. Confirm your policy covers burst pipes.
Section 4: Valuation, discounts, and bundling
Confirm you have an inflation guard or guaranteed replacement cost rider
Automatically adjusts your dwelling coverage limit each year as construction costs increase.
Ask about home security, new roof, and smoke detector discounts
Many carriers offer discounts for qualifying features. A new roof can reduce premiums significantly.
Compare bundle vs. separate carrier pricing
Bundling home and auto often saves money, but not always. Compare both before committing.
Set a calendar reminder to shop rates at renewal
Many carriers raise rates at renewal. Set a reminder 60 days before your expiration date.
Section 5: Annual review triggers
Review your homeowners policy if any of these apply this year:
Major renovation or addition completed
New pool, fence, deck, or detached structure built
Acquired significant valuables (jewelry, art, collectibles)
Started operating a business from the home
Added a tenant or rental unit
Significant increase in your net worth or assets
Want us to run through this checklist with your current policy?
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