Your Guide to Home Insurance in North and Central Texas

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If you own a home in North or Central Texas, you already know the weather here doesn’t play around. One day it’s sunny skies, the next it’s hail the size of golf balls or winds strong enough to take down fences. Whether you’re in Dallas-Fort Worth, Waco, Austin, or one of the many towns in between, having the right home insurance is a must.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand what you need—and what you might be missing.

Why Home Insurance Is So Important Around Here

Let’s be real—Texas weather is wild. In this part of the state, we deal with:

  • Hailstorms (a big one in the DFW area)
  • Severe thunderstorms with wind, rain, and sometimes tornadoes
  • Flash floods, especially during spring
  • Dry spells and wildfires, especially out in Central Texas

Even if you’ve never filed a claim, just one bad storm can do serious damage. That’s why insurance isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

What Your Policy Usually Covers

Most standard home insurance policies include:

  • Dwelling coverage – to repair or rebuild your home after a covered event (like a fire or hailstorm)
  • Other structures – things like fences, sheds, and detached garages
  • Personal belongings – furniture, clothes, electronics, etc.
  • Liability coverage – if someone gets hurt on your property
  • Loss of use – helps pay for living expenses if you can’t stay in your home due to damage

What’s Not Included (But You Should Think About)

Here’s where people get caught off guard:

  • Flood damage – not covered by standard policies. You’ll need a separate flood policy.
  • Foundation issues – common in this area due to shifting soil, but not always covered unless it’s from a specific cause like a pipe leak.
  • Water backup – damage from clogged drains or sump pumps isn’t usually included unless you add it.
  • Wind/hail deductibles – in many policies, wind and hail claims come with a separate (and often higher) deductible.

Add-Ons Worth Considering in North & Central Texas

Depending on where you live and your home’s setup, you might want to add:

  • Flood insurance – especially if you’re in a flood-prone area (FEMA maps can help).
  • Equipment breakdown – covers appliances and systems like HVAC, which can be a lifesaver in the summer.
  • Extended replacement cost – helps cover rebuilding costs if construction prices skyrocket after a big disaster.
  • Roof upgrade coverage – can save you money if you ever need to replace it due to storm damage.

What Does It Cost?

Insurance costs here can be higher than the national average—thanks mostly to hail and storm risks. But it really depends on things like:

  • Your location (urban vs. rural, flood zone, etc.)
  • The age and condition of your home
  • Roof type and upgrades
  • Credit and claims history

Heads-up: Homes with newer or hail-resistant roofs usually get better rates. And bundling your home and auto insurance can help lower your premium.

Quick Tips Before You Buy or Renew

  • Review your roof – it’s one of the biggest factors in your coverage and pricing.
  • Know your deductibles – especially for wind and hail. Ask your agent to explain the difference.
  • Don’t underinsure – make sure your coverage would actually rebuild your home, not just cover the market value.
  • Check your personal property limits – and update it if you’ve added new electronics, furniture, or valuables.

Final Thoughts

Home insurance might not be the most exciting part of owning a home in Texas—but it’s one of the most important. A little time spent reviewing your coverage now can save you from some serious stress (and costs) later.

If you’re not sure whether your policy is up to date or covers everything you need, give us a call at (469) 447-5500. We know what kind of risks are common in your area and can help you fill in the gaps.