Flood
Ask whether the property needs or should carry flood insurance, even when the lender does not require it.
Texas insurance guide
Do not stop at the premium.
Texas homeowners insurance can turn on flood, windstorm and hail, roof age, deductibles, replacement cost, foundation or plumbing exclusions, and coastal availability. The monthly mortgage estimate can miss the real policy question.
Wind and hail
Coastal homes may need TWIA or separate windstorm attention. Inland hail deductibles can still be large.
Roof
Roof age, material, prior claims, and replacement-cost terms can change the quote.
Deductibles
A 2 percent wind/hail deductible on a high-value home is a real dollar amount, not a tiny fee.
Foundation and water
Read plumbing, slab leak, foundation, and sudden water-damage language before assuming coverage.
Policy words, translated
Replacement cost
Coverage based on replacing damaged property rather than paying a depreciated value.
Read whether it applies to roof, contents, and dwelling.
Named storm or wind/hail deductible
A separate deductible for storm or wind/hail damage.
It is often a percent of dwelling coverage.
Flood insurance
Separate coverage for flood damage, commonly through NFIP or private flood insurers.
Standard homeowners policies usually exclude flood.
TWIA
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, a wind and hail insurer of last resort for eligible coastal areas.
Coastal buyers should ask early.
Insurance belongs in the homebuying math
Estimate property tax
Taxes and insurance usually travel together in escrow.
Open estimator ->Closing costs
Prepaid insurance and escrow setup can affect cash to close.
Open planner ->Coastal wind note
Read the Texas Porch note on coastal windstorm coverage.
Read note ->Flood risk note
Flood is not only a coastal issue.
Read note ->Sources
This guide is based on Texas Department of Insurance consumer guidance.
- Data vintage:
- Texas Department of Insurance consumer guidance reviewed June 2026
- Last reviewed:
- June 10, 2026
- Texas Department of Insurance auto insurance guide - liability minimums, PIP/UM offers, deductibles, and coverage basics
- Texas Department of Insurance homeowners insurance tips - flood, windstorm and hail, replacement cost, and shopping guidance
Caution: Insurance pages explain policy pieces and Texas-specific risks. They are not quotes, coverage recommendations, or a substitute for a licensed insurance professional.