Category: Home Insurance

Signs Your Roof Needs Repair After Strong Wind Gusts

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After a storm with powerful winds, your home might appear unscathed at first glance. However, wind damage isn’t always evident, and delaying addressing roofing issues can lead to expensive repairs. At Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX, we understand the importance of a robust roof. Being aware of what to look for after a storm can help you identify problems early.

Displaced or Loose Shingles

One of the most prevalent signs of wind damage is displaced or loose shingles. High winds can lift shingles, break them, or even rip them off entirely. If you notice bare spots on your roof or find shingles scattered in your yard, it’s a sign that repairs are necessary. Even slightly lifted shingles can allow water to infiltrate, leading to leaks.

Leaks and Water Marks

If you start noticing water marks on your ceilings or walls after a storm, your roof may have sustained damage. Wind can create small openings that allow water to infiltrate, leading to mold growth and structural issues. Even if the stains seem minor, they could be a sign of a more significant problem that needs attention.

Damage to Gutters and Flashing

Powerful winds can also loosen gutters, bend flashing, or pull them away from the roof. Gutters play a crucial role in directing water away from your home, and if they’re damaged, water can accumulate in areas that lead to long-term structural issues.

Secure Your Home with Appropriate Insurance

If you suspect wind damage to your roof, it’s vital to act quickly. Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX is here to assist you in navigating home insurance claims and ensuring your home remains protected. Contact us today to review your coverage and safeguard your home from future storms.

Does My Current Home Insurance Policy Provide Adequate Coverage?

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Protecting your investment from liability claims, severe storms, and even theft is a top priority as a homeowner in Friendswood, TX. Even with a standard home insurance policy, it’s essential to review your coverage to avoid potential gaps in protection periodically. Knowing how to assess your home insurance policy effectively can help you find a solution that meets your needs. At Roberts Family Insurance, we’re here to help you maintain peace of mind with adequate, year-round home insurance that you can rely on.

Replacement Costs

Review the replacement cost coverage in your current homeowner’s insurance policy to assess its adequacy. Consider whether the home’s market value is covered or potential rebuilding costs are included in your policy. Keep in mind inflation and rising construction costs.

Personal Belongings Coverage

Many home insurance policies limit personal property coverage, especially for high-value items like antiques, art, and jewelry. If you require additional coverage for collectibles or high-value items in your home, be sure to address this.

Natural Disasters

Check if your homeowners’ insurance policy covers risks such as natural disasters, which are often unique to Friendswood and other regions throughout Texas. Determine if your policy protects against hail and windstorm damage and if you need a separate flood insurance policy for excessive water damage.

Assessing your current home insurance policy in Friendswood, TX, has numerous benefits as a homeowner. From adjusting your existing policy to adding more protection, a review can significantly protect your investment over time. To learn more about your current home insurance policy and to determine if it’s adequate for your household’s protection needs, contact Roberts Family Insurance for your consultation and quote today.

Making sure your home is safe during the holidays

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It’s that time of year again when families gather at homes nationwide to celebrate the holidays. When everyone is together, it is more important than ever that your home be as safe as possible. Part of safety is knowing that no matter what happens, you have home insurance to protect what matters. In Friendswood, TX, Roberts Family Insurance makes sure that what you have for home insurance is what you need.

Clean the furnace and chimney.

Getting your furnace cleaned and tuned should be part of every autumn. If you have a fireplace and want to gather around it for the holidays, ensure your chimney is clean to prevent a house fire.

Don’t overload electric plugs.

There is a temptation during the holidays to have a lot of decorations, and plug-in ones are particularly popular. However, there are limits to how many items any electrical system can take. If you must have lots of decorations, make sure some are battery-powered, and the others are LED so they use less electricity.

Keep your real tree watered.

If you believe in having a real Christmas tree, it is important not to let it dry out and become a fire hazard.

Avoid falls

Slips and falls are among the biggest dangers in your home, and if Grandma or Great Aunt Agatha is visiting, not to mention all the kids or grandkids, you don’t want anyone to slip and fall. It is also important to avoid clutter on stairs and extension cords anywhere. Make sure that any dark area has plenty of artificial light so everyone can see where they are walking inside and out.

Friendswood, TX residents and the surrounding area can contact our office at Roberts Family Insurance for all their home insurance needs.

Does Your Home Insurance Policy Cover Broken Windows?

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To protect your home effectively, it’s crucial to understand what your insurance policy covers. At Roberts Family Insurance, serving Friendswood, TX, we frequently ask whether home insurance covers broken windows? Let’s delve into this topic to help you gain better insights.

Standard Coverage Explained

Most standard home insurance policies typically cover window damage resulting from unforeseen incidents. If a storm in Friendswood causes a tree branch to crash into your window, your policy will likely cover the repairs. Similarly, vandalism is generally included—meaning if someone intentionally damages your window, you should be protected.

Accidental Damage and Negligence

On the other hand, if your window shatters due to an accident within your home, like a wayward baseball, coverage might not be automatic. Some policies offer additional protection against accidental damage, but verifying with your provider is essential. Negligence—like failure to maintain your windows’ integrity—is typically not covered. Regular maintenance is key in keeping your home protected under your policy.

Filing a Claim

If you encounter a broken window, the first step is to document the damage. Take clear photographs and promptly contact your insurance provider. At Roberts Family Insurance, we are committed to guiding you smoothly through the claims process and answering any queries you might have.

Review and Update Your Policy

We recommend an annual policy review to ensure you have adequate coverage. Life changes, and so do your insurance needs. If you’re unsure whether your current policy includes coverage for broken windows, contact us at Roberts Family Insurance, serving the Friendswood, TX area. Our team is here to help you at every step.

The benefits of making and safely storing a home inventory

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The aftermath of a disaster such as a fire or theft can be overwhelming. Remembering every item in your home for a claim is a stressful task. At Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX, we stress the importance of a home inventory to simplify this process. It ensures you have a detailed record of your possessions, making the claim process more manageable and ensuring you have adequate coverage.

Why a Home Inventory is Crucial

A well-documented home inventory assists in filing an insurance claim, ensuring it’s complete and accurate. Not only does this help you recover your losses, but it could also speed up the claim process. Without a comprehensive home inventory, you may forget some belongings, causing your claim to be potentially undervalued. Proving ownership with a home inventory may also result in a higher claim payment.

Creating Your Home Inventory

Starting with your current belongings, document each item, noting its worth, and update this list annually or whenever you make significant new purchases. Detailed item descriptions, serial numbers, and receipts can make your inventory more effective. Consider keeping a digital record or using inventory apps or software. This can make updating and retrieving your inventory easier, especially if your paper documents are destroyed in a disaster.

Storing Your Home Inventory

You can store a physical copy in a safety deposit box or a secure location in your home. If you opt for a digital home inventory, you could store it on an external hard drive or online. However it’s stored, ensure the inventory can be accessed easily after a disaster.

Creating a home inventory might feel like an extensive task, but its value becomes clear when disaster strikes. If you’re a homeowner in Friendswood, TX, and want to ensure your home inventory offers solid protection for your belongings, contact the knowledgeable agents at Roberts Family Insurance to review your home insurance policy.

Financial Assistance in Legal Fees with Home Insurance Related Issues

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Home insurance protects property from damage and offers financial assistance in legal matters. The scope of coverage for legal fees in various situations is essential for homeowners around Friendswood, TX.

Legal Defense Coverage

Many home insurance policies include coverage for legal defense expenses in case of lawsuits related to damages or personal injury happening on the home or landowner’s property. This coverage aids in paying for legal fees, court costs, and settlements if you are found liable for damages.

Liability Protection

Home insurance liability coverage covers legal expenses and filing a lawsuit against you after getting hurt on your land. This coverage aspect safeguards your assets and provides financial aid during legal proceedings concerning personal injury claims. 

Laws vary between states regarding no-trespassing rules. Not everyone wants someone walking through their property. These cases are the most unfortunate because sometimes the property owner doesn’t know someone is on their property until it’s too late. 

Coverage for Property Disputes

Home insurance may also offer coverage for legal fees arising from property disputes, such as boundary disputes with neighbors or disagreements over property lines. This coverage assists in meeting legal expenses incurred in resolving such disputes, including attorney fees and court costs.

Most cases involve tree branches or other overhanging items over property lines. Then, these items become the culprits behind injury or property damage. 

Additional Legal Assistance

Some home insurance policies provide optional coverage extensions or endorsements that furnish additional legal assistance. These may include coverage for contractor disputes or legal expenses related to landlord-tenant issues, especially if you rent a property.

Let Roberts Family Insurance Give You the Information

Roberts Family Insurance is here to assist you with all your home insurance queries. We cover the Friendswood, TX, area. Contact us today. 

Home Fire Statistics

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At Roberts Family Insurance, we are proud to help protect some of the most valued possessions of our insured families in the Friendswood, TX, area. Fire damage is one of the disasters covered by a basic homeowners’ insurance policy.

How often do home fires occur, what are likely to be the causes, and what, on average, is the cost to repair home fire damage? Here is a closer look.

What Is the Main Cause of House Fires?

The most common cause of house fires in the U.S. is cooking. Cooking is the source of about half of all home fires. The second most frequent cause is electrical systems and lighting.

Are House Fires Becoming More Common?

House fires have actually reduced by almost half in the past several decades. Ironically, damage costs from those fires have almost doubled during that time.

Is There a Peak Season for House Fires?

The most popular months for house fires are December and January. House fires are also more likely to occur on a Saturday or Sunday.

What Are Average Damages From a House Fire?

Small house fires cost between $4,000 and $5,000, with larger fires costing an estimated $7,000 to $10,000.

What Types of Property Damage Can Result From a House Fire?

Besides the obvious damage from the fire itself, damage to a home from a fire can result from intense heat, smoke, water, and potentially mold. Houses that experience even larger fires may become uninhabitable until repairs are done.

Get Your Home Insurance Quote Today

If you have questions about your homeowner’s insurance and your coverage, we encourage you to contact Roberts Family Insurance. We can conduct a home insurance policy review and provide a no-obligation quote. If you live in the Friendswood, TX, area, reach out to us at Roberts Family Insurance today.

Natural Disasters and Home Insurance: Ensuring Adequate Coverage

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At Roberts Family Insurance, serving Friendswood, TX, and its neighboring areas, we are here to protect your home from natural disasters. Robust insurance coverage is our priority. Understanding how your home insurance shields you against these events is crucial for comprehensive protection.

Assessing Coverage for Natural Disasters

Your home insurance policy typically includes coverage for certain natural disasters like windstorms or lightning strikes. However, coverage for floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes may require separate policies or endorsements. Review your policy to understand the specific coverage and any limitations.

Customizing Coverage for Your Region

Living in an area prone to particular natural disasters necessitates tailored coverage. For instance, if you reside in a flood-prone region, obtaining separate flood insurance might be essential. Evaluate the need for additional coverage based on the prevalent risks in your area.

Reduce Your Risks Through Preparedness

Preventive measures can significantly reduce potential damage. Strengthen your home’s resilience against natural disasters by implementing protective measures such as reinforcing roofing, installing storm shutters, or elevating electrical systems.

Supplementary Flood Insurance

Standard home insurance often excludes coverage for flood-related damages. Considering a separate flood insurance policy can be crucial, especially if your area is susceptible to flooding. Explore and obtain adequate flood coverage to safeguard your home.

Protect Your Home Today!

Our team specializes in customizing policies to ensure comprehensive coverage against various natural disasters, securing your home effectively. Natural disasters pose a threat to your home’s safety. Make sure your insurance policy offers sufficient coverage to shield your most valuable asset.

Here at Roberts Family Insurance, serving Friendswood, TX and surrounding areas, we’re committed to assisting you in securing comprehensive protection against unexpected disasters that can occur. Connect with us today to safeguard your home effectively!

Does my home insurance cover my unattached buildings, such as my garage and shed?

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Keeping up your Friendswood, TX homeowners insurance is just as important as any other home security. It’s also important to understand what exactly your policy covers and what your excursions are. At Roberts Family Insurance, we work to make sure our clients have all the information they need to make the best-informed choices for themselves and their families about their home protection.

Coverage B, Or Other Structures Coverage

Coverage for other structures on your property is part of every standard homeowners policy. This coverage protects any unattached structure, such as a detached garage, a gazebo, a storage shed, or even a guest house.

Attached structures are covered under the regular dwelling coverage. For instance, an attached garage or deck will be covered here. This distinction is important because your "other structures" coverage is usually set at 10% of your overall policy limits, so you need to make sure that your detached structures have enough protection,.

Is a Built-In Swimming Pool an "Other Structure?"

This depends on your insurer and should be spelled out in your policy.  Make sure that you understand how your pool is categorized by your insurance company.

You should also make sure that you are following any other rules your insurer may have about your pool. Swimming pools are "attractive nuisances," meaning that they are both potentially dangerous and attractive to children. Your insurer may also have a rule that you keep a fence around your pool.

Consult With Us

Making sure you have the right protection for your Friendswood, TX home can save you from a future disaster. If you have any questions about your homeowners policy or if you would like to add more protection to your other structures, call Roberts Family Insurance today.

Making sure your home is ready for an emergency

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Emergencies happen no matter where you live, but Texas is the most disaster-prone state in the country. Being prepared is a necessity for most people. In Friendswood, TX, our team at Roberts Family Insurance helps by providing home insurance that can offer a level of protection that is necessary. For floods, flood insurance is an additional insurance necessity. 

It is hard to prepare for tornados and flooding which are common in Texas every year. But there are things you can do to prepare for these and any other emergencies that may come up. 

Preparation For Home Emergencies

Documents

Place all of your important documents, including your home insurance, in one place. Place them in a fireproof and water-resistant container. Know where it is and be able to grab it if you have to evacuate. This will save a lot of headaches later on if you do it before it happens. 

Floodproof your home

Boilers, utilities, and HVAC equipment are often located at the lowest level of a home. If possible move them off that level or place them on a raised platform to keep them out of the danger of water. 

Create a fire zone around your home

Wildfires are a potential emergency and making sure there is a fire-resistant barrier around your home is important and also having an outdoor water source. 

Find a safe place

If there is a tornado warning get to a safe place. A storm shelter or an interior without windows is best. 

Have supplies

Having a generator can provide the electricity that you need to keep your refrigerator or HVAC system operating. Keep an ample supply of bottled water and food for you and any pets you may have. 

Reach Out To Us

Contact our experienced team at Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX with all your home insurance needs. 

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