A Texas state agency is making sure Texans are ready to weather the storm as June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season.
This year, forecasters say Texas sits in a lower-risk pocket for 2026, but hot Gulf waters, the risk of rapid intensification, and the memory of past storms like Allison and Beryl mean Texans shouldn’t let their guard down.
For now, forecasters say the greatest early-season threat is east of Texas, but a warm Gulf means any storm that does reach the western side of the basin could strengthen quickly before landfall.
That is why the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is ensuring Texans are prepared — from evacuation routes to insurance coverage — should a storm make landfall.
Texas Insurance Tips for Hurricane Season
According to TDI, Texans should double-check their wind, flood, and auto insurance before a storm hits.
While some home insurance policies don’t cover wind and hail damage, TDI said it’s worth considering flood insurance if you live along the Gulf Coast.
But don’t delay — TDI said flood policies usually take effect 30 days after purchase.
The department also passed along the following tips:
- Know your deductible, as they are usually different for wind and hail damage.
- Put your agent’s and insurance company’s phone numbers in your phone.
- Make copies of your policy’s declaration page and auto and health ID cards. Email them to yourself so you can access them when you leave your house.
- Check your roof and windows. Repairs and reinforcement could save you money later.
- Make a home inventory. Take pictures or videos of every room, closet, and drawer in your house and garage. This could help if you need to file an insurance claim.
- Create an evacuation plan and build an emergency go-kit that includes water, food, medicine, clothes, pet food, and other vital supplies.
Have an insurance question? Call TDI’s Help Line at 800-252-3439. It’s open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
How to Take Inventory of Your Home for Insurance Purposes
TDI says that not having a home inventory could delay your claims payment, and Texans should ask their insurance agent what documentation is needed to make a claim.
There are two ways you can create a home inventory:
- See if your insurance company has an app or online form to fill out. If not, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free Home Inventory app.
- Take a video of everything. Use your smartphone to take pictures or videos of each room in your home — open closets and drawers, and record the serial numbers of items like appliances and electronics.
Most importantly, keep your home inventory up to date and store it away from your home or online via cloud storage or in an email.
When Does Hurricane Season Start and End?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
As of May 21, NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.
Add a Comment