Not everyone wants to become a homeowner, and many people prefer to rent for their own personal reasons. If you’re a renter, you’ve probably got a great renter’s insurance policy since it can provide coverage for you and your belongings in the same way homeowner’s insurance protects homeowners. However, you might be wondering if you should purchase flood insurance and if you’re allowed to as a renter. Here is an overview that answers this common question. 

Anyone Can Purchase Flood Insurance

There are no restrictions regarding who can purchase a flood insurance policy, so as a renter, if you feel you want extra coverage, you’re allowed to purchase a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance is typically affordable, and most people who purchase this type of insurance must eventually file a claim, making every cent they pay for the coverage worth it. 

Flooding is Unpredictable in Pearland, TX

Pearland, TX is surrounded by some major bodies of water, making it more susceptible to flooding. Since flooding is so unpredictable in this area, purchasing a flood insurance policy is a brilliant idea. If your rental property is damaged by flooding, the homeowner’s insurance will pay for repairs, but replacement of your damaged or destroyed property will not be covered. This is why flood insurance is an excellent idea for anyone, whether they own or rent. 

So, if you’re a Pearland, TX, renter and want to purchase flood insurance, contact us at Barry Insurance Group. We provide various types of insurance, and we’re ready to give you a quote and invite you to become part of the Barry Insurance Group family. Call us at your earliest convenience so we can provide you with a quote and get you started if that’s what you decide to do. 

When a storm is on the horizon in the Pearland, TX area, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare your home. Barry Insurance Group, serving the area residents with their flood insurance needs, is here to assist. 

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Check your windows and doors for cracks or damage, and make sure they’re securely shut. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place in case you need to quickly shut them during the storm.

2. Clean out any debris from rain gutters and downspouts, as clogs can cause water damage. Make sure all exterior drains are functioning properly as well.

3. Inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles, and if there is any damage make sure it is repaired before the storm hits.

4. Trim branches that may fall on your roof or property during the storm and remove any fallen trees or limbs from around your house and yard before the storm arrives. 

5. Unplug electronic items that aren’t being used as these can be damaged by power surges caused by storms. If you have an attic fan, make sure it’s disconnected too in order to prevent it from blowing off during high winds associated with storms. 

6. Store patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items away in a safe location like a garage or shed so they don’t get blown away by high winds or heavy rains associated with storms. 

7. Make sure you have plenty of flashlights, candles, and batteries as power outages are common during storms – having light available will ensure safety while navigating around your home in low visibility conditions due to darkness or inclement weather outside of it! 

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

For more tips and to get flood insurance for your best protection, give us at the Barry Insurance Group a call today. We proudly serve the Pearland, TX area.

Many homeowners need to invest in flood insurance to protect themselves financially against disasters that could severely damage their homes. At Barry Insurance Group in Pearland, TX., we offer flood insurance coverage to homeowners. 

The following are three things that homeowners should do before they select a flood insurance policy:

Gauge flood risk

It’s important to be aware of the flood risk of the area in which your home is located. If you are in an area that is designated as a flood zone, you should know which flood zone designation your area has been given.

Your flood zone designation will impact the costs of flood insurance in your area, so it’s important to know if your area has been declared a high, moderate, low, or undetermined risk flood zone. 

Understand flood insurance requirements

You might be required to carry flood insurance by your mortgage provider. If this is the case, you should find out how much flood insurance you are required to carry.

Remember that flood insurance is not usually included in home insurance policies and generally must be purchased separately. 

Research government programs that help you get flood insurance

You definitely need to look into FEMA-subsidized flood insurance if you are in a high-risk area. FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is available to homeowners living in any of the 23,000 communities that participate in the program in the US. 

While NFIP insurance may be less expensive than private insurance for some homeowners, this isn’t the case in every situation. That’s why homeowners need to do their research and get quotes on numerous policy options. 

Give Us A Call

If you have questions about flood insurance, get in touch with us at Barry Insurance Group in Pearland, TX. We can assist you in protecting yourself financially with an appropriate flood insurance policy. 

When winter storms cover Pearland, TX in snow and ice, it can cause water damage from burst pipes. Some homeowners’ insurance policies will cover water damage that results from broken or leaking pipes. However, there are exceptions. If you are a renter, you will need renters’ insurance to cover your electronics, furniture, clothing, and other personal items damaged when the pipes burst.

The important thing to note here is that your home insurance and renters’ insurance are only going to cover leaks that occur inside your home. They do not cover damage caused by flooding. For this, you will need a separate flood insurance policy, which is available from Barry Insurance Group.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is special coverage that is specifically designed to cover most types of water damage to your home and your personal belongings. Many homeowners think that this type of insurance will cover the damage if their pipes burst. However, this may not be the case.

Flood insurance is meant to cover damage that occurs due to natural flooding. Burst pipes are not considered natural and therefore are not covered by flood insurance.

Exceptions to the Rule

Like with many other types of insurance, there are exceptions to the rule. If your pipes burst due to flooding, then the damage to your home and your belongings may be covered. However, you will need to provide proof that this was directly the cause of the burst pipes.

If a natural flood causes standing water in your home and there is no way for you to return to your home during a flooding disaster, mold may have a chance to grow. In this case, most of the damage, including the mold, may be covered by your flood insurance policy.

While flood insurance may not cover damage from burst pipes in Pearland, TX, you should ask your insurance provider for additional insurance on your home insurance policy, known as water backup coverage. To find out more, contact Barry Insurance Group.

Floods leave a trail of financial loss, mental distress, and other psychological impacts across many parts of the world. Many people in Pearland, TX are buying flood insurance to protect their homes and families. However, there isn’t much information about how people should prepare when alerted about a potential storm. At Barry Insurance Group, we advise all our policyholders to get flood insurance to protect their homes and learn how it works. If you are looking to learn more about the policy, here is what you need to know.

1. Home insurance does NOT cover floods

Home insurance covers water damage caused by internal damage such as burst pipes, but not from floods. You need a flood insurance policy if flood water enters your home due to melted snow, overflowing rivers, or too much rain. 

2. Floods are the US number one disaster

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) report shows that the recovery cost from floods grows every year. As a Pearland, TX resident or homeowner, it is critical to understand that Texas is one of the most flood-affected states in America, with a flood vulnerability score of 86 out of 100.

3. You don’t need to live near a water body to experience flooding.

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 20 percent of all flood insurance claims filed come from people who live in low-risk flood areas. That means it is everyone’s responsibility to take precautions and buy insurance early enough.

4. Flood insurance has a waiting period

Exactly as it sounds, flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period upon which you may not be able to make any flood insurance claim until the 30 days are over. For instance, if you bought a policy on first August 1st, 2021, and flooding occurred at your home on the 26th of the same month, you may not be eligible for flood insurance compensation.

Don’t wait till winter to get your flood insurance policy. Barry Insurance Group is ready to help you get a customized policy to cover your dwelling and personal property. Call us today!

Barry Insurance Group offers coverage to the Pearland, TX community. We strive to meet the needs of our clients through offering services built on ethics and integrity. We understand that every one of our clients is different. That’s why we take the time to advise them and help them make the right decision.

Common Flood Insurance Myths To Avoid

As a Pearland, TX resident, flood insurance is important. Texas is prone to flooding due to severe weather. You never know when rising waters from a hurricane can cause serious damage. Flood insurance can help you protect your property if a disaster arises. All of your personal items are covered if they suffer flood damage. While you are researching different policies, avoid these common flood insurance myths.

I Can Rely On My Home Insurance Policy

This is incorrect. Your home insurance policy does cover your property if it suffers some water damage. However, flood insurance is the only way to protect your property if it suffers flood damage.

Coverage Isn’t Necessary Because Of My Location.

Even if you don’t stay in an area where there is an extremely high-risk of flooding, at some point, severe weather may move into the area. You want to avoid being left unprotected when you need it most. That’s why flood insurance is so important.

I Should Find Coverage Right When Storms Move Into The Area

This is a potentially serious mistake. Keep in mind that your flood insurance policy will likely contain a grace period. If you wait until it’s too late to find coverage, you may be left unprotected when severe weather moves into the area. You are responsible for any flood damage to your property that occurs before your policy starts. Research flood insurance coverage long before inclement weather moves into the area.

Barry Insurance Group Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website today to learn more information about renters insurance.

If your Pearland, TX home isn’t located in a flood zone, you may be wondering if flood insurance is for you. After all, your home is protected with home insurance. Unfortunately, home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Besides, it’s estimated that as many as 25% of flood claims across the country are from people living outside a flood zone. This puts you at risk of flood disasters. Flood insurance is a preventative means of protecting your property. Here’s how a flood policy from Barry Insurance Group can protect you.

Home Protection

Our flood policies offer protection for your home and belongings through separate plans. Dwelling coverage compensates you for damage to your home’s foundation, roof, walls, carpeting, stairways, built-in structures, and built-in appliances. You can purchase coverage for up to $250,000 to repair or rebuild your home if it’s destroyed in a flood disaster.

Contents Protection

Contents coverage compensates you for the actual cash value of your belongings ranging from designer clothes to furniture, electronics, artwork, sports gear, and other personal effects up to a limit of $100,000. 

When people think of flooding, they often picture water rising to the 2^nd level of their home, causing catastrophic damage. Even a few inches of floodwater can ruin a house or destroy your belongings. As floods can occur quickly and without prior warning, the smart thing to do is protect your property in advance by purchasing flood insurance.

Affordable Cost

Fortunately, flood coverage is doable for most homeowners in the Pearland, TX area, especially if you live outside a flood zone. By tailoring your flood coverage to your specific needs, you can get maximum flood protection at affordable premium costs.

To purchase a flood policy for your Pearland, TX home, contact an agent from Barry Insurance Group.