Wildfire activity this year is growing in central Texas due to increased temperatures and drier conditions, says the Texas A&M Forest Service.
When these naturally-occurring fires encroach on developed areas, they become a serious threat to homes and buildings that should be properly protected by a good homeowners insurance policy that provides fire coverage.
Because wildfires can be such a big threat to residential neighborhoods on the outskirts of many cities and towns in Texas, it’s important to review your home owners insurance policy now to confirm coverage for fire damage, then start taking other steps to prepare for wildfires, just in case.
An experienced homeowners insurance agency can make sure that your policy provides enough protection and offer advice on how to prevent or reduce damage should a wildfire threaten your neighborhood.
Insuring Homes for Fire Damage
Don’t ever assume your general homeowners insurance policy offers coverage for everything, especially damage caused by fire or flood.
Instead, look at your policy and confirm that fire coverage is listed as limitations and exclusions can be very specific and inadvertently not offer protection if you’re unaware of them.
Above all, call your homeowners insurance agency and go over the fine details of your policy with them, then add additional coverage if necessary.
Insurance Covering Wildfires Becoming Harder to Find
It is very important to be aware that in some fire-prone areas, obtaining fire insurance is becoming more difficult as some home owners insurance insurers are reducing their fire coverage offerings.
Be absolutely certain to have the right policy now before there is any possibility that a wildfire could affect your home.
Make sure that any homeowners policy does cover wildfires and that benefit amounts are enough to cover the cost of your home, belongings, vehicles, lodging, and other related expenses if your home must be repaired or rebuilt.
If it doesn’t, find a homeowners insurance provider who will find a policy to cover your home for wildfires so coverage can be purchased in the necessary amounts.
Take Steps to Minimize Fire Risk
As a homeowner, there are other things that can be done to minimize your fire risk besides having a good home owners insurance policy.
Wildfires frequently start spontaneously, yet many destructive fires in these regions that go on to affect homes and businesses are caused by carelessness.
Safety must be a priority around the home and elsewhere by:
- Avoiding any burning in fire-prone areas as well as keeping your property free of overgrowth close to the home that could catch fire.
- Not parking or idling on dry grass as heat from a vehicle’s exhaust can start a fire.
- Keeping hot power equipment off the grass and practice fire safety within the home.
Some homeowners insurance agencies also recommend choosing a fireproof or resistant roof when your roof is next replaced if living in an area prone to wildfires.
Find About Texas Wildfire Insurance Today
There is little that is more devastating than having a home destroyed by a natural disaster like a wildfire.
You can’t control Mother Nature; however, your home can at least be protected with the right homeowners insurance policy.
A policy from your homeowners insurance agency that covers Texas wildfires plus some effort to prevent dangerous fire-inducing conditions will certainly help keep your home safe.
If you live in an area prone to these fires, contact a home owners insurance company today to discuss wildfire coverage to properly protect your home!
