Insurance FAQ

A standard homeowners insurance policy in Texas typically covers your home’s structure, personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if you’re displaced by a covered loss. Most policies protect against perils like fire, windstorm, theft, and vandalism, though flooding and earthquakes usually require separate coverage. Coastal and Gulf Coast homeowners in particular should ask their agent about windstorm and flood endorsements, since standard policies often exclude storm surge damage.

You can lower your car insurance rates in Texas by bundling your auto and home policies with the same insurer, maintaining a clean driving record, and raising your deductible if you can absorb a higher out-of-pocket cost after a claim. Completing a defensive driving course, installing anti-theft devices, and asking about low-mileage discounts are also effective strategies. An independent agent can compare rates across multiple carriers to find the best balance of price and protection for your specific situation.

Yes, if you regularly use your personal vehicle for business purposes in Texas — such as transporting clients, making deliveries, or traveling between job sites — a personal auto policy likely won’t cover accidents that happen during those activities. Commercial auto insurance fills that gap by covering vehicles used for business use, and it can also protect employees who drive on behalf of your company. A business owner’s policy alone won’t cover vehicle-related claims, so it’s worth reviewing both policies with your agent.

Texas law requires drivers to carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage — meaning $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These minimums satisfy the legal requirement, but they may not be enough to fully cover costs after a serious accident, leaving you personally responsible for any amounts beyond your policy limits. Most agents recommend carrying higher limits and adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, especially given the number of uninsured drivers on Texas roads.

Most small businesses in Southeast Texas need at least a general liability policy, which covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims, along with commercial property insurance to protect their building and equipment. Depending on the business, additional coverage like workers’ compensation, professional liability, commercial auto, or a business owner’s policy (BOP) bundling multiple coverages may also be necessary. Working with a local agent familiar with the region’s risks — including hurricane exposure and industry-specific hazards — helps ensure there are no critical gaps in your coverage.