Home Insurance policies available in the state of Texas cover damage to your home from freezing. When reviewing your Texas Home Insurance Policy, remember that you have to pay a deductible before the insurance company pays for the damage to your home. For example, my Texas Home Insurance policy has a 1% deductible. If my dwelling limit is $140k, then my home insurance deductible is $1400. Any claim under $1400 is completely my responsibility.
As a homeowner, Texas Insurance policy require that you take proper precautions before freezing weather. Remember, sometimes it’s better to avoid problems by taking preventive measures. In order to help you avoid damage from Frozen Pipes, we offer the tips below first published by the Texas Department of Insurance.
Before the Freeze
If Your Pipes Freeze
Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt-payment law.
Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair. In addition, most policies pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.
Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.