Hurricane season is a fact of life in Texas, and for homeowners in Bryan, College Station, Aggieland, and across the Brazos Valley, it can bring plenty of questions—and worries—about insurance coverage. What exactly does your homeowners policy cover? Do you need separate flood insurance? And what’s the deal with hurricane deductibles?
At Van Dyke Rankin Insurance, we believe knowledge is power. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients as hurricane season approaches. Let’s make sure you’re prepared and confident before the winds start blowing.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?
In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does cover wind damage from hurricanes, including damage to your roof, siding, windows, and interior caused by wind-driven rain—as long as the structure itself is damaged first. However, there’s an important exception: flooding.
Flooding, even if caused by a hurricane, is typically not covered under your standard homeowners policy. For that, you’d need a separate flood insurance policy. Many homeowners in Bryan and College Station are surprised to learn that hurricane-related flooding is excluded from their regular policies. Considering how heavy rains and storm surge can accompany a hurricane, flood coverage is often a wise investment.
Do I Need Separate Flood Insurance?
If you live in the Brazos Valley—or anywhere in Texas prone to tropical weather—it’s worth asking yourself this question seriously. Flood insurance is a separate policy, usually purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier.
Flooding can happen even in areas not officially marked as high-risk flood zones. Heavy rains, overflowing creeks, or storm surge can all cause costly damage. And without flood insurance, homeowners are responsible for covering those losses out of pocket.
At Van Dyke Rankin, we recommend homeowners review their flood risk carefully and consider flood insurance as part of a comprehensive protection plan. Our experienced agents are happy to help you understand your property’s flood zone status and coverage options.
What Is a Hurricane Deductible?
Many homeowners are surprised to discover that their policy has a separate hurricane deductible, which is different from the standard deductible on their homeowners insurance.
A hurricane deductible is usually calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value, rather than a flat dollar amount. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you’d pay the first $6,000 of hurricane-related damage before your insurance coverage kicks in.
The percentage can vary, typically from 1% to 5%, depending on your insurer and location. This deductible applies only to damage caused by a hurricane or named storm, not to other types of claims.
Understanding your hurricane deductible is crucial because it affects how much you’d pay out-of-pocket if a storm strikes Aggieland. At Van Dyke Rankin, we encourage homeowners to review their policy documents carefully—and reach out to us if anything is unclear.
What Else Should I Know About Hurricane Coverage?
Here are a few other key points homeowners in Bryan, College Station, and the broader Brazos Valley should keep in mind:
✅ Timing Matters: Some insurers place a “moratorium” on new or increased coverage once a storm is approaching the Texas coast. Don’t wait until the last minute to secure coverage.
✅ Contents Coverage: Check the limits and terms for your personal property. High-value items like electronics, jewelry, and collectibles might require additional endorsements or separate coverage.
✅ Loss of Use: If your home becomes unlivable due to hurricane damage, your policy may include coverage for additional living expenses, such as hotel stays and meals.
✅ Policy Exclusions: Every policy is different. Some may exclude certain types of water damage or have special conditions for wind-driven rain. It’s essential to understand these exclusions before a storm hits.
How Can Van Dyke Rankin Help?
At Van Dyke Rankin Insurance, we’ve served the Brazos Valley community for decades, helping homeowners navigate the complexities of insurance coverage—especially during hurricane season. Our team is committed to providing clear, professional guidance so you can make informed decisions and protect what matters most.
Have questions about your policy? Unsure whether you have the right protection for hurricane season? Don’t wait for a storm to test your coverage. Connect with our experienced team today. We’re here to review your current policies, explain your hurricane deductible, and help you explore flood insurance options if needed.
About Van Dyke Rankin Insurance
Van Dyke Rankin Insurance has proudly served homeowners and businesses across Bryan, College Station, and the greater Brazos Valley for decades. Our experienced team offers tailored insurance solutions for home, auto, health, and life, delivering protection and peace of mind with a client-first approach. We believe in educating our clients, so they can make confident choices about their coverage. Discover how we can help safeguard what matters most at vandykerankin.com.
