Why You Need Both Home Insurance and Flood Insurance

As homeowners, we often understand the necessity for home insurance; however, the significance of maintaining an active flood insurance policy sometimes gets overlooked. Regardless of where your home is located, flooding is a potential hazard, particularly for residents in Texas, and being unprepared can have devastating consequences.

The Centrality of Home & Flood Policies

So, why isn’t your home insurance policy enough? Well, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Consequently, when a flood occurs, your homeowner’s insurance will only cover you up to a certain point – it barely scratches the surface of the total cost of flood damages. To protect your household fully in the event of a flood, integrating a flood insurance policy into your protection plan is crucial.

The National Flood Insurance Program: Your Insurance Ally

What makes flood insurance policies more desirable is their backing by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This government program guarantees that claims from flood damages get paid out. They set standard prices for these policies, eliminating the need to shop around for the best rates. Thanks to NFIP, securing a flood insurance policy is straightforward and stress-free.

Protect Your Home With Us!

Your home is one of the most valuable investments you have. Thus, ensuring it’s well protected against all potential threats, including floods, is crucial. If your insurance coverage does not include a flood policy, you’re not adequately safeguarded against everything that could damage your home and possessions. Get in touch with us at the Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX, to embark on the journey of comprehensive home protection.

Home insurance: All You Need To Know in 2024

In 2024, the landscape of homeowners insurance keeps changing and presenting new challenges. In this blog post, we will talk about things you need to know about homeowners insurance in 2024, which will help you make the right decision: 

What Is Exactly Covered By Home Insurance?

Just like in the past, standard home insurance coverage covers a list of these perils: 

  • Fire, explosions, wind, hail, and other events;
  • Theft and vandalism;
  • Falling of trees and other objects;
  • Weight of snow, ice, freezing rain, or sleet; 
  • Overflowing or rupturing of the AC, plumbing, heating, or sprinkler system. 

Certain things are not protected and covered by standard homeowners insurance; you should know about them. For example, flood damage is not covered by standard insurance, and you need to purchase a separate policy for that. 

More And More Lenders Require Home Insurance

Even though home insurance is not required by law in Texas, more and more mortgage lenders in 2024 require homebuyers to purchase home insurance. That means that if you are thinking of buying a home in 2024, you will have to buy home insurance first to get approved for a loan. 

Home Insurance Will Not Cover Businesses Run From Home

In 2024, more and more people start operating their businesses from home. One of the most common questions and concerns for any business owner is, "Will home insurance cover a business?". In most cases, homeowners insurance does not protect home-based businesses. That is why if you decide to operate a business from home, you should consider buying a separate policy. 

Are you a homeowner living in Deer Park, TX, and looking for home insurance in 2024? Do you need professional assistance in finding the perfect policy? Do not look any further—Shell Insurance Agency is here to help. We serve clients in Deer Park, TX, and other nearby areas. We are here to provide detailed answers to any of your questions and help you find the policy you need. 

Four things that might surprise you about home insurance coverage

If you’re in the market for home insurance coverage in Deer Park, TX, we’re here to help. At Shell Insurance Agency, we can answer your questions about home insurance. 

The following are four things that might surprise you about home insurance coverage.  

Home insurance can often include coverage for identity theft damages.

Home insurance doesn’t just offer coverage for issues involving physical damage. These days, home insurance also often offers coverage for costs that result from identity theft.

Standard home insurance policies sometimes exclude coverage for accidents involving trampolines.

If you have a trampoline in your yard, you shouldn’t assume that your home insurance policy will cover injury costs from trampoline use. It would be best if you read the fine print of your policy. Many standard home insurance policies will exclude coverage for recreational equipment in your yard, such as trampolines. 

Home insurance coverage eventually needs to be renewed.

A home insurance policy will cover you for a certain period. Once the term of your home insurance policy is over, you need to renew your policy. Fortunately, renewing a home insurance policy is a quick and straightforward task with most insurance providers. 

Home insurance coverage is not usually required by law.

While home insurance is essential, it’s not required by law in most situations. However, home insurance is required by mortgage lenders. This means you will be obligated to buy home insurance if you still pay off your mortgage. 

Insure your home in Deer Park, TX with a policy from Shell Insurance Agency. We’re happy to provide you with a quote and answer any insurance questions you have. Call us today!

Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Infestations?

Having the right home insurance coverage and preventing damage associated with pests is crucial for protecting your home and property. If you’re interested in acquiring top-quality home insurance, the professionals at Shell Insurance Agency are ready to assist the residents in and around Deer Park, TX.

Termite Damage

Quality home insurance is one of the best ways to protect your home. However, most insurance policies won’t cover damage due to a termite infestation. This is because insurance providers view termite damage as a preventable issue. The best way to prevent termite damage is to have regularly scheduled inspections and treatment.

Knowledgeable Agents 

Our team of professional insurance agents is highly skilled and knowledgeable. They can carefully assess your situation based on facts and potential needs in your individual case. From there, the agent can recommend compatible insurance policy options that benefit homeowners. Once a policy is chosen, the agent can assist with filing paperwork and documentation to help get the insurance policy in place immediately. If, at any time during the policy’s life, you need assistance with changes to the policy or even filing a claim, we are here to help.

Reach Out to Us 

Choosing the right coverage and understanding the terms and conditions of your home insurance policy is a priority. Our insurance agents are ready to assist you with finding and understanding your home insurance policy. Shell Insurance Agency is committed to providing exceptional customer service and insurance products they can rely on. Residents living in and around the Deer Park, TX, area are encouraged to call or stop by the office to schedule a consultation with one of our agents. Get the quality insurance coverage you need for a complete layer of protection and peace of mind.

Does Home Insurance Cover Mold?

Having adequate home insurance is essential for protecting you from losses associated with covered perils. There are many instances where your home could sustain damage and, as a result, develop mold. If you need quality home insurance, you can trust the professionals at Shell Insurance Agency, serving the residents around Deer Park, TX. 

Home Insurance Protection

Most home insurance policies protect the homeowner from incurring losses associated with mold due to a sudden accident or incident that wasn’t the homeowner’s fault. Before choosing a policy for your home, make sure you know the terms and conditions associated with mold coverage and similar points of interest. 

When you work with our team of experts, you can be assured that our agents will thoroughly explain any mold-related details or any other incidents needing clarification. We take the time to match our clients with suitable policy options to ensure they are completely protected. Not only do we help offer the right choices for insurance coverage, but we also assist with the submission of documents, policy changes, and any claim submissions. We are committed to offering our residents the best customer service out there. 

Reach Out Today

If you or someone you know is looking for top-quality home insurance, contact an agent at Shell Insurance Agency today. We proudly serve the residents in and around the Deer Park, TX, area. Find out how we can help provide a blanket of protection against risks such as mold and other related damage that threaten your home and health. We are ready to give you the support and answers you need for peace of mind. 

What every new homeowner should know about home insurance

Most new homeowners don’t have a lot of knowledge about home insurance. They count on their insurance agent to ensure they have the right coverage. At Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX, we get to know our customers so that we can offer you the right choice. 

You can choose the deductible amount that is right for you

Having a higher deductible can help make your home insurance more affordable. But, the amount you choose has to be reasonable for you to pay if you file a claim. The deductible is usually between $500 and $2000 but can go as high as $5,000. It is also important to know that the deductible is on every claim; it is not a yearly amount. 

Not everything is covered by home insurance.

Home insurance policies have exclusions, things that just aren’t covered. Some things not covered are:

  • Floods
  • Earth movement
  • Sewer backup
  • Wear and tear
  • Owner neglect 

Home riders you may want to add

Riders, also called endorsements, are additions to your policy that either expand the overage you already have or add excluded coverage. You should consider a jewelry rider if you have more than a small amount of jewelry. You need to provide an appraisal for valuable pieces. If you have antiques or expensive electronics, these also need an additional coverage rider. 

What type of coverage does home insurance provide?

Home insurance offers very important coverage for your home. Property insurance covers the basic structure and any attachments. Unattached garages, sheds, and casitas are also covered. The content of your home is covered. You have liability insurance coverage and loss of use protection which helps you have a place to stay if your home is damaged. 

Contact Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX if you have questions about home insurance.

Stay Protected With Home Insurance

It’s essential to keep your home protected from as many risks as possible, and home insurance can help you to do just that. This type of insurance comes with many types of coverage that lend you protection in different ways. When you own a home, keep a home policy to protect yourself. Call us at Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX to get started if you don’t have a home policy. 

Protection for the Home

The house you live in likely represents your most significant investment. It’s always a good idea to have that investment well-protected with home insurance. In most cases, homeowners must have home insurance from either their lender, association, or both. Even if neither applies to you, it’s never a good idea to be without home insurance. It can pay for the repairs needed after a serious event damages your home.

Protection for Your Possessions

When you have home insurance, it also protects your belongings. It gives you coverage for all your possessions on your property in case of a serious incident that destroys them. This is important coverage to have when you consider how much your things are worth and how much it would cost to replace them. 

Liability Protection

Another type of coverage in a home policy is protection for your liability for accidents. If someone had an accident on your property, this coverage could pay for the medical bills that result from that accident so that you won’t have to. 

Get Your Home Protection

It would help if you had a home insurance policy to protect your home, possessions, and finances. Call us today at Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX to get started with a policy of your own. 

Does My Standard Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover Outbuildings?

If you have a detached garage or a stand-alone shed in your backyard, you may be wondering if your standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers these outbuildings. Fortunately, most home insurance policies cover outbuildings that are separate or detached from the primary building.

Coverage Basics

If your property has a shed, gazebo, guest house, pool house, deck, or fence, these structures are called outbuildings and have the same insurance coverage as the primary home. However, it’s wise to check just how much protection these buildings have.

For example, if you have outbuildings on your property for business purposes, your primary home insurance policy may not cover any damage to these buildings. In some cases, you need to buy additional coverage for outbuildings you use for a business.

Know the Risks

Most standard home insurance policies cover damage for risks like theft, fire, or other named perils, including the risks to external structures. However, these buildings have the same coverage as the primary building. So, it’s essential to check how much coverage you have – especially if you have high-value structures on your property.

Examine Coverage B of Your Homeowners Policy

Coverage B of your home insurance policy details how much protection you have for detached structures. Knowing which outbuildings aren’t covered under your standard policy is also vital. For example, some policies don’t cover detached structures used for agricultural purposes. And, any outbuilding you use for rental purposes – like renting a guest house – might not have the same coverage as other detached structures.

Contact our team of insurance professionals today at Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX to find out more about outbuilding coverage on your standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

In today’s society, we can’t be sure about our homes’ safety. Crime rates are rising every day, and there’s so much on the news about theft and burglaries. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to make your home safer. You can even take a step further and purchase home insurance. It protects your home from vandalism and theft, as well as other damages caused by unexpected events like fire, hail, and wind.

If you need home insurance in Deer Park, TX, Shell Insurance Agency can help you make the right choices that suit your needs.

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

Secure Your Windows and Doors

If your home is equipped with old windows or doors, replace them. If you don’t want to do that, make sure they are locked properly before bedtime. Many burglaries occur through open doors and windows, so ensure all of them are locked. Keep window ladders away from your second-story windows too! If someone can get on the ladder then they can unlock your window and walk right in!

Buy a Security System

It’s expensive but it pays off. Burglars don’t like homes where there are security systems because it makes their jobs more difficult. It’s better to spend some money than none at all if you need this extra protection. You can also consider getting a guard dog. Yes, dogs fight off burglars.

Add Solid Doors and Fences

If you can afford it, consider replacing your doors with solid metal ones instead of those made out of glass or wood. They’re much stronger and harder to breakthrough. If you already have a wooden door, make sure there’s not a window on it either because that will make it easier for burglars to get in. A fence around your yard is also another good addition if you feel like security isn’t enough. It stops people from walking into your home without permission.

Secure Your Valuables

If someone knows where all the valuables are in your home, they more likely to steal them. Hide everything! Put your valuable items in a safe and if you have expensive jewelry, keep it locked up at all times. You can even buy heavy-duty jewelry boxes and keep them under your bed or inside the closet so no one finds them.

Connect With Your Neighbors

It’s always nice to be friends with those living around you. Having good relationships with your neighbors will benefit both of you as well as other people who live around you. If someone is eyeing their neighbor’s house, then they’ll come over and tell you about it instead of keeping quiet thinking that there’s nothing they can do about it because the person has lived there for years already.

These are some of the best practices to make your home safer. Purchasing home insurance gives you peace of mind that in case anything happens, you’ll be protected. Shell Insurance Agency serving Deer Park, TX provides home insurance policies to help owners cover their homes. Contact us today!

How To Choose Home Insurance

There are so many important little decisions that go into the purchase of a new home. If you have recently bought a house, one of your big choices will be home insurance. Finding a great deal on home insurance is vital to the long-term safety and security of your investment. At Shell Insurance Agency, serving Deer Park, TX, we make it easy to access accurate insurance information so that you can make confident insurance choices. Keep reading to learn more about home insurance. 

Why Purchase Home Insurance?

Your house will probably be one of the biggest investments you make during your life. Not only is this a big investment as far as money is concerned, but your home also carries with it a great deal of sentimental value as well. This is a place of safety and security for you and your family. Protecting that is very important. 

Home insurance will bring you the peace of mind of knowing that you will always have the resources available to provide your family with a safe place to call home. 

Many mortgage companies also require that you carry home insurance for the life of the loan. This is another important reason to purchase home insurance. 

How Much Insurance Do I Need?

In order to determine the amount of insurance you should purchase, it is a good idea to sit down with an insurance representative to talk about the value of your home and the value of your personal possessions as well. The amount of insurance needed will differ from family to family.

If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us at Shell Insurance Agency, serving Deer Park, TX. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best insurance products for your needs.