Home damage can be devastating. If your home was damaged by a covered event, such as a fire or lightning strike, home insurance can be a valuable resource during recovery. The team at Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, can help. If you’re a homeowner or home buyer in need of coverage, we can help you find the right policy for your needs. And if you’re a homeowner who needs to file a claim, we can help you get started.

Knowing what to do after your home is damaged can make recovery easier. Read on to learn more.

Contact the Police or Emergency Services, If Needed

Some types of damage require help from emergency services. A house fire, for example, requires the fire department, while a burglary requires the police. If you’re in the middle of an emergency, contact the appropriate service right away to help get the situation under control.

Document the Damage

Your home insurance company may require documentation of the damage. Take photos as soon as it’s safe to do so, since these images can support your claim later. If you need to purchase anything to help with the recovery, save your receipts in case those expenses can be reimbursed through your policy.

File a Claim

File a claim with your insurance company as soon as you’re able. The sooner you start the claims process, the sooner your recovery can begin. If you’re unsure whether your policy covers the damage, contact your insurance agent at Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX. Your agent can provide a copy of your policy documents so you can review your coverage in detail. Call today.

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When you buy a home, it represents your hopes and dreams. Texas homeowners understand that one of the best ways to protect that investment is with home insurance. If you live near Austin, TX, the team at Southwest Insurance Center can help you evaluate your home insurance options. We have been helping Texas homeowners protect their homes since 1992.

When to Review Your Home Insurance Coverage

Purchasing a home insurance policy helps you prepare for the unexpected. However, it is important to review your coverage whenever changes are made to your home. For example, adding a room can increase your home’s value, which may require higher coverage limits. Remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or other living space can also increase replacement costs and should be reflected in your policy.

Installing security features, such as alarm systems or deadbolt locks, may also affect your coverage needs. In addition, the liability portion of your home insurance protects the people who live in your household. If you welcome a new baby, add a household member, or bring home a new pet, you may want to consider increasing your liability coverage. Pets, in particular, can increase potential liability risks and property damage concerns.

Protect Your Home and Your Future

No one can predict when a disaster may cause damage to their home. The team at Southwest Insurance Center can help you prepare for unexpected events and ensure your home insurance coverage meets your needs. Homeowners near Austin, TX trust us to make the insurance process simple and straightforward. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and protect your investment in your home.

While home insurance can cover many things, it often does not cover flood damage. You may need a separate form of coverage in order to recoup losses due to flood damage that has affected your assets, including the building itself and any personal effects. If the flooding was caused by an internal issue such as a leaking appliance or burst pipe, the typical home insurance policy may cover you. However, flooding caused by storms or overflowing rivers will require a separate flood insurance policy. While this will usually cover the structure of the building along with electrical systems and large appliances, it may not cover outdoor property or incurred living expenses. 

How to Get Flood Insurance 

The first thing you have to do is get a quote. This is where the National Flood Insurance Program comes in handy. The NFIP Quote Tool can help you find the flood insurance coverage that would best suit your needs in just a few minutes. Keep in mind that if you live in a high-risk area and have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender, you will be required to have flood insurance. Fortunately, there are private insurance companies that provide flood insurance. If you live somewhere where the risk of flooding is moderate to low you may not be required to get flood insurance but you could be eligible for a reduced rate. You may want to look over your home insurance policy just to make sure that you have an endorsement for damages due to water back up from a drain or sewer. Do keep in mind that this isn’t quite the same as flood damage. 

The Southwest Insurance Center Serves Austin, TX

If you have more questions about your home insurance, we here at the Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX and surrounding areas, are happy to help.