Preparing for a Hurricane

As hurricane season approaches, people living in Texas coastal areas can begin the preparation that could make the difference between suffering in the storm's aftermath or quickly rebuilding a lifestyle. Along with a getting a quote to make sure an insurance policy is up-to-date, there are other ways to prepare.

Take Inventory

One of the first steps is to take an inventory of what is in your home. This is most helpful when getting a quote on needed coverage. In a calm manner, you are better likely to take account of what you have. Make a list of the items that you see so you don't have to rely on memory later. Don't forget to write the make, model, serial number and prices of what you are listing. With digital cameras, it's easy to take pictures to know exactly what you might be trying to replace later if claims need to be filed. Once the inventory is complete, find a safe storage location to keep the list and pictures.

A New Quote

Next, take a look at your existing policy to check if you need a new quote. Does it actually cover everything you catalogued, especially valuable items such as jewelry? Check your policy to see if it has coverage for actual cash value or replacement cost if there are losses to report. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair damage to your residence or to replace any contents after depreciation. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild a residence along with contents made from materials of similar quality without depreciation.

Make Copies

Make sure copies of any existing or new insurance policies are stored in a secure location that is separate from your residence. That way, if you house is damaged, you still are likely to have easier access to your policies. That includes all types of policies, not just those for your home. Also, know claim limits on your policies, deductibles, exclusions and other related information.

Keep Records

Keep a record of your insurance agent's contact information as well as that of the company he or she represents. That includes cell and office numbers, postal addresses, e-mail addresses and Web site URLs. This information is easy to collect when you visit your Texas insurance agent to get a quote update. Ask for a business card, which should have that information.