Texans have historically paid higher premiums for homeowners
insurance than is paid in other states. Turbulent Texas
weather, including hail storms around the state and
severe windstorms along the coastline, is a driving
factor in determining rates for Texas homeowners insurance.
Wind and hail losses account
for 84 percent of the difference in premiums paid by
Texans and those paid by others around the U.S. The
average wind and hail losses per policy are more than
three-and-a-half times greater than those in the rest
of the country. The average dollars of loss per policy
in Texas are almost 190 percent of those in the rest
of the country. The average number of claims per policy
is approximately twice those in the rest of the country.
UPDATE - What you should know
when insuring your home!
One of the factors your insurance premium is based upon
is how much it would cost to replace your home if it
is destroyed. Replacement cost includes the cost of
building materials and labor. A recent analysis of current
building cost indexes indicates these costs are increasing
and will likely have an impact on your homeowners insurance
premium.While building costs are beyond your control,
there are factors that you can control. Replacement
cost also includes factors such as square footage, number
of bedrooms, type of foundation, and other details unique
to your home. Contact your insurance agent or company
and make sure your home's replacement cost value is
a true reflection of your home.Additionally, for new
loans as of Jan. 1, 2004, mortgage lenders cannot require
you, as a condition of financing your mortgage, to insure
your home for more than the replacement value of the
dwelling and its contents
[Texas Insurance Code Article 21.48A Sec.2(g)]. This
replacement value may not include the fair market value
of the land upon which the dwelling is located.
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