Get answers to your biggest questions about shopping for a health plan.
Where do most people get health insurance?
Many people get health coverage through an employer, such as your job, your spouse's job, or a parent’s job (an option until you turn 26). Others buy it through HealthCare.gov, where you might qualify for an income-based tax credit to lower your premium.
What should you look for when choosing a health plan?
Compare the Summary of Benefits and Coverage for different plan options. This document gives you an apples-to-apples comparison of how much you pay for different types of care and what limits apply. Ask if a plan covers your doctors and medications.
How do I know if a plan is affordable?
The premium is the monthly cost you pay. It’s usually straightforward with an employer plan. If you're shopping for an individual plan on HealthCare.gov, have an estimate of your annual income ready because your premium tax credit depends on your income.
Pay attention to out-of-pocket costs as these can vary widely. Take note of the plan's deductible and the copays for visiting the emergency room, a specialist, and a primary care physician.
If there’s a deductible, how much is covered before I meet it?
Any plan you buy on HealthCare.gov must cover preventive care before you reach your deductible. Preventive care services include annual checkups and school vaccines for your children.
If your kids get sick, some plans will cover primary care for free or a copay or offer free virtual visits and telemedicine before you meet the deductible.
If you’re considering a high-deductible plan, know what coverage you’ll get before you meet your deductible. This factor could be the difference between plans that have a similar monthly premium or a similar deductible.
When is open enrollment?
You can sign up for a new health plan on HealthCare.gov during open enrollment from November 1 to January 15. To get coverage that starts January 1, you must enroll by December 15. For health plans through your job, the enrollment period varies. Ask your company's human resources department for the dates.
What red flags should I look for?
Questions? Visit HealthCare.gov or call our Help Line at 800-252-3439.
Lithium-ion battery devices are just about everywhere in our homes, from smartphones to cordless power tools. While the devices are convenient, it’s important to know safety tips to prevent lithium-ion batteries from overheating and starting a fire.
What should I look for when buying rechargeable items?
Look for a safety certification from a nationally recognized testing laboratory like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek). These certifications show the lithium-ion battery inside the product meets minimum U.S. safety standards for electrical and fire safety.
When are lithium-ion batteries most at risk of catching fire?
Charging is the riskiest time for lithium-ion batteries. To stay safe, always use the charger that came with the device or one that’s approved by the manufacturer. Using an incompatible charger can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of fire.
What are the warning signs that a charging battery might be unsafe?
Watch for these common signs of battery failure:
If you notice any of these, stop using the device right away and unplug it from the charger.
Where is the best place to store lithium-ion battery-powered devices?
Store devices in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid keeping battery-powered items in cars, garages, or outdoor sheds, especially during very hot or cold weather.
What’s the safest way to dispose of lithium-ion batteries?
Never put lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash or recycling bin. Damaged or improperly discarded batteries can ignite and cause fires in garbage trucks and landfills.
Instead, take them to a certified battery recycling center. Find a location near you at Call2Recycle.org.
Can I safely charge an e-bike and scooter indoors?
No. The safest place to charge e-bikes and scooters is on a hard surface outdoors out of direct sunlight in a dry place.
How do I safely charge devices with lithium-ion batteries?
While no method is completely risk-free, you can reduce the fire risk by:
How do I know if my device has a lithium-ion battery?
Many everyday rechargeable devices use lithium-ion batteries, including:
Check the product manual or labeling for battery information.
TDI’s Fraud Unit has a team of investigators that look into reports of insurance fraud to build cases they can send county district attorneys for prosecution and potential punishment.
What kind of training do insurance fraud investigators have?
The investigators are licensed peace officers and most of them previously worked in other law enforcement roles. They learned to gather facts, interview people, and present information. Once they’re at TDI, the investigators take continuing education classes and practice exercises and scenarios.
Do the investigators offer insurance fraud training?
Yes, the Fraud Unit has a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certification to teach others. They create 4 to 6-hour classes about spotting insurance fraud and collecting information to build cases.
Who reports insurance fraud?
Anyone can report insurance fraud online or by calling the Help Line at 800-252-3439. Consumers, insurance companies and health plans are common sources of fraud reports.
How does a report turn into a fraud investigation and eventually a court case?
The Fraud Unit looks at a report, sends it to a supervisor, and the supervisor will assign it to an investigator. The investigator looks at the information to decide what else they need to collect. They look through financial records and interview victims and suspects to collect evidence.
Once the investigator has collected enough information, they’ll hand off the case to a supervisor and eventually to a district attorney in the county where the crime took place.
What are the most common types of insurance fraud?
So far in 2025, the Fraud Unit has received 22,000 reports of suspected insurance fraud. Of those, 55% are for auto insurance fraud, 20% for homeowners insurance fraud, and 6% for health insurance fraud.
The Texas Department of Insurance Help Line, 800-252-3439, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time. Experts are available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Who can call TDI’s Help Line?
People call the Help Line with almost any question about insurance in Texas. Experts are ready to answer your questions or they can tell you how to get what you seek.
How many calls does the Help Line get?
Up to 600 calls come in on an average day and as many as 140,000 calls a year. We also get inquiries by email.
What do most people call about?
Auto insurance, probably because if you own a truck or car, you’re required under Texas law to be responsible for any liability you have in an accident.
Can the Help Line tell me how to file a complaint?
Yes—and sometimes we can help you without filing a complaint. We’re here to help.
Are there topics the Help Line can’t tackle?
We can’t give legal advice. We also can’t help you resolve a dispute with another driver or homeowner.
Since 1993, the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) has called on man's "best friend" to help in its investigations. Canine teams help determine the presence of ignitable liquids, such as gasoline, at fire scenes.
How many dogs help SFMO handlers detect substances that may have been used to start or spread fires?
Five dogs live with their respective handlers, who live in different parts of Texas to be ready to investigate the origin of a fire or explosion at short notice.
What kinds of dogs are in the accelerant detection canine unit?
Four Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd.
What can the dogs detect?
SFMO’s dogs are trained on 14 different odors associated with causes of a house fire. The dogs also will react to over 60 different common commercially available items.
Do the dogs bark when they sniff out a suspicious chemical?
No. Sometimes they gaze at the source of the smell. Other times, depending on training, they put their nose on a spot and keep it there.
Learn more:
Dog burned in fire now helps state investigate fires
Fire Investigations Division Accelerant Detection Canine Unit
Home and car safety kits can help you survive an emergency. Why do I need an emergency kit? Texas often faces weather or fire disasters. Residents sometimes need to leave home in a hurry. An emergency kit helps you and your family prepare for the worst. What should be in my home emergency kit? Essentials such as food and a supply of water, a gallon a person a day for three days to start. You’re also going to want powered-up chargers for your devices, including cell phones. Add a simple first aid kit with antiseptic wipes, Band-Aids, and your family’s medicines. Put all of these ahead of time into a backpack. Are there any other items that belong in the kit? You could pack a hard hat in case you find yourself in a situation where you have debris—maybe needing to clean out tree limbs. Add work gloves, a safety vest, and plastic baggies to keep your insurance and other important documents safe and dry. Also pack hygiene items such as toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, things like that—whatever keeps you comfortable. What items go into my car emergency kit? Your car kit can be similar to your home kit—including water, food, blankets, and chargers. Add jumper cables and maybe an air compressor to pump up your tires. Also, put a bag of sand or cat litter in your car kit to give your car better traction if you face icy road conditions. Is there a place to get more information? TexasReady.gov has tips for building your kit. Disaster checklist and ready kitBuild a kit (TDEM)
Los kits de emergencia para la casa y el auto pueden ayudarle a sobrevivir en caso de emergencia. ¿Por qué necesito un kit de emergencia? Texas se enfrenta a menudo a catástrofes meteorológicas o incendios. Los residentes a veces tienen que salir de la casa inmediatamente. Un kit de emergencia le ayuda a usted y a su familia a prepararse para lo peor.¿Qué debe de incluir mi kit de emergencia de la casa? Esenciales como comida y un suministro de agua, un galón por persona al día durante tres días para empezar. También querrá cargadores para sus dispositivos, incluidos los teléfonos móviles. Añada un botiquín sencillo con toallitas antisépticas, tiritas y los medicamentos de su familia. Ponga todo esto con anticipación en una mochila. ¿Hay algún otro artículo que deba incluirse en el kit? Podría empacar un casco en caso de que se encuentre en una situación en la que haya escombros -quizás necesite limpiar ramas de árboles. Añada guantes de trabajo, un chaleco de seguridad y bolsas de plástico para mantener a salvo y secos su seguro y otros documentos importantes. Empaque también artículos de higiene personal como pasta de dientes, champú, desodorante, cosas así... con lo que usted se sienta cómodo. ¿Qué artículos van en el kit de emergencia de mi auto? Su kit para el auto puede ser similar al de casa: agua, comida, mantas y cargadores. Añada cables de arranque y quizás un compresor de aire para llenar sus llantas. Además, ponga un saco de arena o arenilla para gatos en su kit del auto para una mejor tracción si se enfrenta a condiciones de carretera helada. ¿Dónde puedo obtener más información? TexasReady.gov tiene consejos para preparar su kit.La temporada de huracanes: Cómo preparar su vivienda y su propiedadSeguro contra inundaciones: Por qué necesita una póliza y cuál es el costoAntes de la tormentaLista de verificación de kits para desastres de Texas Ready
Making your home stronger can protect your property and your family if a severe storm hits.
What does “home hardening” mean?
Home hardening makes your home stronger to withstand severe weather. This can help avoid costly insurance claims. Less costly claims can also mean lower insurance costs.
What is the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s role in home hardening?
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) is a nonprofit research center that analyzes how buildings perform in severe weather. The lab in Richburg, South Carolina can create full-sized houses and structures and put those through heaving winds, rainstorms, hailstorms, and wildfires. With 105 fans at 350 horsepower each, IBHS can create 130 mile per hour winds. That’s equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane.
What does IBHS look for with its created storms?
IBHS can test an entire house as a system and look for weak links that can lead to cascading failures. It then develops protective strategies.
Does IBHS have a designation system for home hardening?
Yes, it’s called Fortified. New construction and remodeling projects can get ratings from Roof to Silver to Gold depending on the type of materials used and how they’re used. For example, a house built to the Silver level will have metal braces on the roof to keep it from blowing off.
Does IBHS help with wildfires?
IBHS has a program called Wildfire Prepared that looks at mitigation strategies and creating defensible space. They suggest you keep a 0-to-5-foot zone around your house that is free of branches and other combustible materials.
How can you show that you have a Fortified home?
After the work is done, you get a certificate that is third-party verified. You can give this to your insurance agent. Some insurance companies offer discounts for home hardening. The extra cost of home hardening might save you money on home repairs and insurance.
Are you prepared for a tornado? Here’s how to protect your home.
TDI recently launched its Spanish index page with links to 300 consumer pages. Lorna Camacho from TDI’s Communications team translated the insurance content for Spanish speakers. We asked about TDI’s efforts to share consumer tips in Spanish.
How long did it take TDI to translate the consumer content to Spanish?
It took about two years. Lorna focused first on the most popular pages, like severe weather and information about filing claims. She also translated subtitles for videos. TDI now prioritizes translating new pages and videos as they’re made.
What other Spanish content has TDI produced?
TDI created “One Minute of Insurance.” In Spanish, it’s “Un Minuto de Seguro.” They are short videos with one minute of information about a single topic.
How do I get Spanish information on the TDI website?
You can get to the Spanish resource page by clicking on “Español” on the home page at tdi.texas.gov. There are many resources on the page. Some examples include translated consumer insurance guides, ranging from auto insurance to long-term care. You can also search the website with Spanish keywords.
What other resources does TDI have in Spanish?
TDI also has a Help Line (800-252-3439) with Spanish speaking representatives to help people with insurance questions, reporting fraud, and filing complaints against insurance companies and agents. We also post information in Spanish on social media. Find us in Spanish on X and Facebook.
Five lawyers in TDI’s Fraud Unit work in district attorney’s (DA) offices in Tarrant, Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties to prosecute insurance fraud.
The program’s chief prosecutor, Kyson Johnson, helped start the program 20 years ago.
What value does TDI bring to DA’s offices?
TDI’s embedded lawyers know about complex insurance issues and can rely on TDI staff to help answer detailed questions. Other assistant district attorneys often lack such expertise and resources.
How does an insurance fraud case get to a TDI lawyer?
The Fraud Unit employs about 20 investigators statewide who get leads from consumers, law enforcement and insurance companies. They firm up the leads, gather evidence, and conduct interviews to build a case they can give to the Fraud Unit’s lawyers in the DA offices. The lawyers present the cases to grand juries and – if there’s enough evidence – prosecute the case.
How does the Fraud Unit prosecution office help DAs?
County DA offices may not have enough resources to devote to prosecuting insurance fraud. They focus on rapes, robberies, murders, as well as financial crimes. TDI provides resources to help prosecute insurance fraud.
Are the Fraud Unit investigators TDI employees?
Yes, TDI interviews, hires, and pays the embedded prosecutors who work in the DA offices. TDI has a memorandum of understanding with each DA. The prosecutors report to their respective DA and work within their teams.
Why is it important to prosecute insurance fraud?
Insurance fraud affects everybody. When insurance companies pay fraudulent claims, it drives up the premiums they charge to cover losses. Reducing fraud can help lower premiums.
Fraud Unit chief prosecutor promoted in Army Reserve
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) grades cities and counties on their fire protection capability. Insurance companies use this Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating when they decide where they’ll sell home policies and how much to charge.
What does the ISO look at to set a fire department’s PPC rating?
They also look at the water department and supply, emergency communications, community risk reduction, and training.
Why should homeowners want to know their community’s PPC rating?
If you’re moving or building a home, you’ll want to be within five road miles of a fire station. You also want to be within 1,000 feet of a working water supply. If you’re not within these limits, companies might be less willing or unwilling to sell you a home insurance policy.
How does a homeowner find their community’s PPC rating?
You can ask your home insurance company or agent. You can also ask your city or county management.
How can I change my community’s PPC rating?
Talk to the managers of your city or county. Let them know that you’re concerned about the PPC rating. Get your friends and neighbors involved. Maybe you can effect change.
Save headaches and money by taking steps now to get your home and car ready for winter. How do I start to winterize my home? Start at the top with your roof. Check for damaged or missing shingles. You don’t want water or ice to get under your shingles and leak into your house. Roof damage can be expensive. Also check your gutters. Remove debris and leaves that can clog and cause water damage. Should you trim trees before winter? Trim trees to get limbs away from your house. The weight of ice and snow could damage your roof or parked car. How can I avoid water damage in winter? Before a winter storm hits, drain and cover exposed pipes like those in your garage and outside. If your water stops flowing, turn off the main water valve. It’s outside, usually near the street. What other tips do you have to winterize your home? - Drain your HVAC lines. - Clean the lint from your clothes dryer vent. - Hire a professional to clean your chimney. - Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. How do I prepare my car for winter? Check your car’s battery, fluids, tire pressure, and windshield wipers. Extreme cold is hard on tires and can cause the pressure to drop. Windshield wipers, belts, and hoses can wear out faster and crack. What should be in an emergency kit for my house and car? Gather blankets, nonperishable food, bottled water, flashlights, and spare batteries. For your car, you might want a first-aid kit and emergency flares. If you have a portable charger, don’t forget to keep it charged up. Winter storms: Tips for preparing your house and pipes How to prevent pipes from freezing How to make your house winter-ready Winter driving safety tips
TDI’s Fraud Unit has investigators, prosecutors, fraud examiners, attorneys, and support staff. Vivian Cervantez’s job is performing financial analysis and forensic accounting services. As a financial analyst, her efforts help investigate cases of insurance fraud.
What kind of work does a fraud analyst do?
We’re examining a lot of data and looking for unusual patterns. A fraud analyst’s work can include converting bank statements into Excel spreadsheets and providing summary tables for investigators. Other times, work involves cross referencing bank statements, billing records from doctors, and claims data from insurance companies.
What is forensic accounting?
Forensic accounting is the marriage of accounting and investigating. Accounting involves records and the recording of transactions. Forensic accounting is taking those records and using them to find out if there is a misuse of funds or if there are any patterns of misuse.
What’s an example of forensic accounting?
A policyholder, like a homeowner, might pay their policy premium to an insurance agent. The agent then keeps the money instead of handing it over to the insurance company to pay for the policy. A financial analyst’s research may see the money going into the agent’s accounts but doesn’t see it paid out to the insurance company. That’s insurance fraud.
Why is financial analysis important?
Insurance fraud leads to higher insurance premiums for everyone. The Fraud Unit’s efforts to cut down on the amount of insurance fraud should help keep insurance more affordable by reducing the impact that fraud has on insurance premiums.
How do you avoid becoming a victim of insurance fraud?
In the case of giving your money to a bad agent who doesn’t give you a real policy in return, do your research. You can call our Help Line at 800-252-3439 to make sure an insurance agent is licensed. Try to pay the insurance company directly. Don't pay the agent in cash. Use debit or credit. If something feels wrong, then it probably is wrong.
You have about two minutes to get out of a burning house from the second your smoke alarm goes off. It’s critical your alarm works.
How many smoke alarms should I have?
You should have enough smoke alarms for everyone to hear in every area of your house. You should have them on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping area. Test your alarms during the day and again at night to make sure everyone can hear them.
Where do smoke alarms go?
Read the instructions that come with your smoke alarm to know if it goes on the wall or ceiling. If you don’t have the instructions, search your smoke alarm model number online to find them. There will be instructions for manufactured homes and vaulted ceilings.
How often should I test my smoke alarm?
Press the button on your smoke alarm every month. If you can’t reach it, use a broom handle or call a friend for help. While you’re near the alarm, dust it off. They can collect dust and bugs that could make them malfunction.
Do you recommend the new smoke alarm technologies?
If you’re shopping for a new alarm, consider the ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms. Photoelectric alarms detect smoldering fires and ionization smoke alarms detect flaming fires. Another alarm style, the multi-criteria alarm, has a sensor to know if a fire is a non-emergency cooking fire or an emergency fire.
Where can I get a free smoke alarm?
The American Red Cross provides free smoke alarms. Many community organizations and fire departments also give free smoke alarms. Fire departments are also great resources if you have questions about where to put a smoke alarm in your house.
What else should I know about smoke alarms?
There are three main takeaways:
- Make sure your house has smoke alarms.
- Test your smoke alarm every month.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Learn more:
Smoke alarms: Where to put them, how often to replace batteries
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety
Is your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm chirping? Here’s what it’s telling you
When you file a home insurance claim, you can also get paid for any personal property that was stolen or destroyed. Your agent or company will ask if you have a home inventory.
Why do I need a home inventory?
A home inventory is a way to help you remember what you own. By taking pictures or writing it down, you can remember the TVs, light fixtures, silverware, clothes, furniture, and more.
How much will my insurance pay for my personal property?
It will pay up to your coverage limit if the total amount stolen or destroyed adds up to that amount. You might have more expensive items – like jewelry, bicycles, or artwork – that are more valuable. You can buy an endorsement to your policy that will pay more for these items. Look on the first page of your policy to learn your personal property coverage limit.
How do I put together a home inventory?
The easiest thing you can do is take pictures and videos of everything in your house. Don't forget your closets, drawers, garage, and sheds. You can also use TDI's home inventory (PDF) form or a home inventory app to write down items. Include the serial number, the date you bought it, and the amount you paid. Take pictures of receipts.
How often should I update my home inventory?
After you put an inventory together, update it every year. You buy and sell things throughout the year that you'll need to add or take off. If you bought something expensive or valuable, ask your agent about buying an endorsement.
Sgt. Steve Richardson led the TDI Fraud Unit’s investigation into William Neil “Doc” Gallagher, a radio host in the Dallas area. Gallagher, known as the “Money Doctor,” targeted seniors to surrender their annuities and give him the money to “invest.” In 2020, Gallagher was convicted of securities fraud, theft, and money laundering, all first-degree felonies. He got three life terms and was ordered to repay more than $10.3 million in restitution. How can I avoid becoming a victim of insurance fraud? Richardson says to do your due diligence when working with a financial adviser or insurance agent. Do a thorough online search for anyone you’re doing business with. Online searches would have shown that Gallagher was investigated by the Texas State Securities Board and lost his security license. How can we protect our senior family and friends from senior fraud? Many of Gallagher’s victims were seniors who lost their entire savings and investments. Richardson suggests monitoring your senior relative’s finances to know where they’re investing or spending their money. How can I check the license status of an insurance agent? You can check license status and complaint history by calling our Help Line at 800-252-3439. How to avoid scams aimed at older adults Beware of seller impersonation fraud
Summers in Texas usually means cooking on a campfire or barbecue. Learn more about keeping your family safe while cooking outdoors. What’s the danger with campfires? The main danger is that the fire will get out of control and spread. The first precaution you should take is to ask if fires are allowed. Even if the campground allows fires, there might be a burn ban in the area. Where’s the best place to set up a campfire? If your campsite has a fire ring, use that. If not, set it up away from trees and dry grass. Make sure the area around the campfire is clear of debris. How do we keep kids safe around campfires? Set up a safety zone of about three feet around a campfire. Mark it with rocks or spray paint. Tell children to stay out of the safety zone. Keep a bucket of water nearby to put the fire out if you need to. Only let adults start the fire. Kids should be observers. Go over these rules with children so they know what to expect before the fire starts. What are some grilling safety tips? Don’t use grills close to houses or under trees. Talk to children about staying away from grills and not playing nearby. If you have dogs or other pets in the yard, keep them inside or away from the grill. Should we put out a campfire or barbecue? Yes. Don’t let campfires or charcoal on a barbecue smolder all night. If the embers are hot, they can start another fire. Put out fires with water or another method you’re comfortable with. Outdoor burning: What to know before you light the match Wildfire risks: Projects to help you protect your home
With the start of hurricane season around the corner on June 1, now is the time to review your insurance and prepare your house and your family for hurricanes.
When is the peak of hurricane season?
Texas typically gets its biggest hurricanes in August and September, with August being the peak month. Hurricanes have also formed as early as May.
When should I start worrying about a storm turning into a hurricane?
Pay attention to the weather during hurricane season. Some hurricanes develop farther out and give us more time to prepare. But others – like Hurricane Humberto in 2007 – can develop and make landfall in as little as 24 hours.
What can I do now to prepare for hurricane season?
You can start building your storm kit. Gather enough water, nonperishable food, medicine, batteries, pet food, and other supplies to ride out a storm. If you think you’ll evacuate, look at evacuation routes and which roads you’ll take to get to safety.
Why do I need a storm kit?
As a storm approaches, people rush to the store for supplies. If you’ve bought yours ahead of time, you don’t have to be in the scramble. Once a storm hits, you’ll have what you need to either evacuate or be home for a few days.
Also prepare a kit for your car. Think about what you’d take with you if you’re on the road for a couple of days.
What can I do to prepare my house for a hurricane?
In the days and hours before a hurricane, get your house ready by:
Boarding up windows. Taping isn’t good enough.
Securing loose outdoor items, like patio furniture.
Trimming trees.
Putting important documents in a sealed container and storing them off the ground.
Should I review my insurance before a hurricane?
Yes, review your insurance to know your coverages, deductibles, and if you have coverage to live elsewhere if you can’t stay in your home during repairs. Also know if you have flood insurance. Most home policies don’t cover floods. Ask your company or agent if you’d like to get flood insurance
Just a couple of inches of unwanted water in your house can cause extensive and expensive damage. Most home and renters insurance policies cover water damage—if the water comes from inside the house.
What’s the difference between water damage and flood damage?
Flood damage is caused by water from a rainstorm or a body of water that suddenly rises over a dry area and into your house.
What does “sudden and accidental” mean?
Most home policies say they cover “sudden and accidental” water damage. That means a water leak or overflow that happens suddenly, and accidentally. It’s not a leak that’s been dripping for a long time. If you notice a leak that’s caused damage, file a claim right away with your insurance company.
Are water leaks from fish tanks covered by home policies?
Not usually. Home policies cover plumbing and appliances, but not fish tanks or water tanks you use for drinking water. If you want to insure a fish tank, talk to your insurance agent or company.
Are mold and mildew covered by home policies?
Mold is covered if it’s on something that your home policy would replace. If mold is on walls, for example, your policy will pay to have that torn out and replaced.
Home policies don’t cover mold remediation, which is when a company comes into your house and finds and removes mold. If you want coverage for possible future mold remediation, talk to your insurance agent or company.
Should I make repairs if I have water damage in my house?
Make enough repairs to keep the damage from getting worse. If a window breaks or there’s a hole in your roof and water is getting in, cover the window or roof with boards or tarps. Keep your receipts too because your insurance company should reimburse you.
What other tips do you have if I get water damage?
Take pictures of the damage. Your company will ask for them.
Don’t make permanent repairs until an adjuster has seen the damage and said it’s OK.
As we turn the corner into spring, it’s time to think about rain showers and flooding. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage from flooding. Who should consider flood insurance? Everyone, according to FEMA. Everyone is at some risk of a flood damaging their home and property. Developers might build a neighborhood in a place where bayous or wetlands would have soaked up rainwater. And a heavy, prolonged rainstorm– like we saw with Hurricane Harvey – could stall over a city, causing flooding where it might not normally flood. Will someone tell me if I need flood insurance? Not necessarily. If you have a mortgage and you live in a flood hazard area, your lender might require you to have flood insurance. If not, it’s up to you to ask your insurance agent for flood insurance. Do I need flood insurance if I’m not in a flood hazard area? FEMA says 40% of the flood claims are for homes outside flood hazard areas. What’s the risk of not having flood insurance? The risk is the possibility a flood will damage your house and contents and you’ll have to pay for it out of pocket. One inch of rain in your home can cause about $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners insurance doesn’t pay for flood damage. Won’t FEMA help me if my home floods and I don’t have insurance? If storm damage is declared a disaster by the president, FEMA might offer financial assistance. The average disaster assistance check is about $4,000. The average flood claim is about $115,000. Disaster assistance isn’t meant to completely fix your home. How do I get flood insurance? Ask your homeowners insurance agent or company. If they don’t sell flood insurance, go to Floodsmart.gov to find a flood insurance agent. You can buy up to $250,000 in flood coverage to repair your home. Renters can also get flood insurance on their personal property. You have to wait 30 days after purchase for your flood policy to take effect. So don’t wait until a storm is on the way to shop. Hurricane season: How to prepare your home and property