Insurance Over Texas

430 Hwy 6 S. #102
Houston, TX 77079

About Insurance Over Texas

Tips to Protect Your Home from Flood Damage

One of the most common, as well as costliest weather-related disasters, is flooding. Unfortunately, other than elevation, there is little to no margin of safety. Once the water reaches ground level and rises to an inch above, there is a risk of significant damage, so the best way to avoid flooding is to stay above water. It’s essential to be aware of the flood level and how high the floodwaters can rise for your home in Houston, TX. Even homes located on a hill need floodproofing, so here are a few tips provided by Insurance Over Texas to help you protect your home from flood damage.

Protect Electrical Outlets

All wiring, sockets, switches, and circuit breakers should be at the minimum, at least 12-inches above the expected level in the area. Take the time to modify the water heater, furnace, and other types of indoor and secure equipment to ensure that it is sitting above the flood level

Modify the Water Valves

A flooded system can lead to extensive back up in the house, so it’s recommended that you install a backflow valve. A gate valve is recommended because the seal is stronger than those on check or flap valves. These types of valves open automatically for the water to flow out, and then the gate closes if water tries to get in. For optimum results, you should install valves on all pipes that enter your house.

Understanding water flows around your property will allow you to adjust the sloping or grading to force the water away from your house. To determine how the water flows around the house, monitor how the water accumulates or flows during a typical rainstorm. If the area or street your house is on tends to have standing water, consider talking to your local county environmental services for suggestions on altering the water flow around your home.

Residents of Houston, TX interested in learning more about flood insurance or reviewing your current policy, contact Insurance Over Texas.

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What does condo insurance cover

Condo insurance is very similar to a homeowner’s policy except it is essential for a condo owner to understand how their condo insurance policy will work with the master insurance policy carried by the condo association. If you are a condo owner in the Houston, TX area and have questions about your condo policy, reach out to a specialist at Insurance Over Texas today. 

The first element of condo insurance is the master insurance policy provided by the condo association. The master policy insures the building structure along with any common areas, such as the lobby, courtyard, swimming pool, and fitness center. 

There are a few different types of master policies. Condo owners should know what their building carries to determine what sort of coverage they need to fill in any coverage gaps.

  • Bare walls coverage: A bare wall policy will cover the walls, floor, and ceiling. If your condo carries this type of policy, you will need to make sure your policy covers the appliances, light fixtures, plumbing, and the cabinets in the kitchen. 
  • Single entity insurance: A single entity policy is very similar to a bare walls policy except that it also includes the fixtures. It is crucial to keep in mind that if damage were to occur, this policy would restore the fixtures to the original condition when the property was built. If you have new fixtures, you may want to consider having replacement coverage under your policy instead. 
  • All-in Coverage: All in coverage is the most comprehensive policy the association can carry. All-in coverage covers what is covered under the single entity policy but extends to cover any additions or improvements that have been made to the condo. In the event your building has All-in coverage, you will need to cover your personal property. 

If you are interested in learning more about condo insurance, make an appointment with Insurance Over Texas today. We proudly serve the Houston, TX, area. 

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Is All Health Insurance The Same?

For many people, health insurance can be confusing because it is so complex. People who select healthcare insurance policies may not entirely understand the terms and conditions of the coverage and may select the insurance based on basic, general descriptions that are provided by their employer. This is a common mistake because not all health insurance is the same. 

Many Different Forms Of Coverage

There are plenty of different types of policies on the market today. Some cover general hospitalization or wellness visits, while others are more comprehensive and allow the policyholder to make lower co-pays when visiting the doctor. The best way to determine what your needs are currently is to work closely with a knowledgeable health insurance agent. People who are residents in or around the Houston, TX area can count on Insurance Over Texas to provide them with the answers they need to discover policies that help cover medical expenses that are both routine and emergency. 

Finding The Right Insurance Provider

Finding the insurance provider that is right for the client’s needs can be a challenge, which is why working with an established and respected insurance agency is crucial. They can discover what the overall needs are, and then provide a selection of options to choose from. Additionally, they can help revise the policy if necessary and assist with the filing of claims if there is an issue. 

People who are looking for quality health insurance in the Katy and Houston, TX area are urged to call or stop by the Insurance Over Texas office today to consult with a licensed health insurance agent. Get the protection necessary to help cover life’s medical expenses before the need arises. 

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Is It Time to Replace Your Car?

It’s easy to get attached to a car, especially if it has sentimental value. Older vehicles, however, eventually lose their reliability, making it necessary to upgrade to a newer model. At Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX, we know the importance of having dependable transportation for you and your family. The following signs could indicate it’s time to trade in your used vehicle for a safer, more dependable car.

Rising Repair Costs

If your vehicle is constantly in the shop for repairs, it’s time to get another car. Constant repairs waste time and money that’s better spent on upgrading to a newer vehicle. 

Old, Worn Appearance  

Sometimes a vehicle runs well but has a very bad appearance, i.e. dented or rusty body, torn seats, broken door or window handles, cracked mirror, etc. If your vehicle has reached this state, it’s time to replace it with a newer model.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

As cars age, they tend to consume more gas. With the price of gas constantly on the rise, it’s good to have a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, especially if you do a lot of driving. If your clunker has become a gas guzzler, you can probably save money by upgrading.

Safety Problems

If your car has issues that put your safety at risk, it’s definitely time to give it up. Don’t wait for an accident to happen before deciding to trade it in. Your safety is worth the extra cost of a newer car.

Insufficient Space

Lack of space for a growing family is another good reason to replace an older car. It’s important you have a car that adequately meets your family’s needs.

When upgrading your vehicle, don’t forget to update your car insurance. Learn more about auto insurance options and costs by contacting Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX.

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3 Ways to Prevent Your Business from Burglary

When the lights shut off and you lock up for the night, is your business safe? Are there ways someone could break in and burglarize the property, making off with your inventory, cash, or other valuable items?  Preventing your business from being burglarized in Houston, TX should be a top priority as a business owner. That’s why Insurance Over Texas has put together these three short tips to help keep your business safe. Read on to learn more. 

1. Install Alarms and Cameras

Security systems detect motion in and around your business. If they sense motion, they will immediately contact police who will be on the scene quickly. Alarms also protect your business from fire. Tip: Keep your documents locked up in a fire-proof safe. Cameras work as a good deterrent for thieves. But the boldest ones may still go for it. With cameras, the police will be better able to catch any would-be thieves. 

2. Keep Track of Keys

Business keys should never be duplicated without permission and should never go lost. This includes keys to all doors, vehicles, and safes. To keep track of your keys, it’s important to have an effective system in place where all employees need to sign keys in and out. If a key were to go missing, the key log will determine who lost the key and when. 

3. Always Do Background Checks on Potential Employees

Before you hire someone and trust them to be part of your business, conduct a background check to make sure they really are the person they claim to be. Many business crimes are done from the inside. This can be prevented by researching employee backgrounds.

To learn more about protecting your business in Houston, TX, including finding the right commercial insurance, contact Insurance Over Texas today. Our friendly agents will answer all your questions and concerns and find you the right policy for your needs. 

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3 Benefits of Video Doorbell/Security Cams

Video doorbells have small security cameras that allow you to see and interact with whoever is on your porch or at your doorway. In Houston, TX, the agents of Insurance Over Texas can explain the benefits of using these new devices and how they are reducing the risk of stolen packages but also preventing break-ins and burglaries. 

Allows You to See Who Is At Your Door

The security camera inside your video doorbell is triggered by motion, allowing you to see a person as soon as they come within range. Once you have identified the person, you can choose to interact with them or let them go on their merry way. If it is a delivery person, you can speak directly to them and give them instructions on where to put your package for safekeeping. 

You Can Respond in Real-Time

Video doorbells allow you to respond in real-time. Depending on the situation, you can choose to initiate a conversation with the person, or you alert your neighbors that someone strange is wandering through your neighborhood. In some cases, the person may not have to make it up to your porch to trigger the camera. 

Two-Way Voice Communication

Two-way voice communication allows you to speak directly to the person whether you are inside your home or across the country. You will be able to see them, but they can’t see you.

The agents of Insurance Over Texas understand the importance of knowing your home is secure when you leave for an extended period of time. Residents of Houston, TX can discuss the benefits of installing a video doorbell viewer and other security features. Visit your agent today to learn more!

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How Do I Know What Medigap Policy to Buy?

Medicare insurance is designed to cover basic medical care that is often considered to be routine. It will also cover hospital stays. While the insurance coverage is good to have, there are several gaps in coverage that require a supplemental policy in order for them to be covered. If you live in the Houston, TX area, the agents at Insurance Over Texas can help you determine which types of Medigap coverage you need to complete your healthcare plan.

Supplemental Insurance

Supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap policies, are designed to fill in where the main parts of Medicare fall short. This can include prescription coverage, vision, and dental plans that are not included in the primary plans. Some Medigap plans include one or more of the various types of coverage but it is up to you to determine just how much insurance you truly need since supplemental policies are paid out of pocket.

Ask the Professionals 

Insurance agents are required to take continuing education classes to ensure they know as much as possible about the healthcare coverage that Medicare offers to the people it insures. If you are covered by Medicare and have questions about how much insurance you currently have and how much you need, talk to your agent as soon as possible.

The agents at Insurance Over Texas provide insurance coverage to residents who live in or near the Houston, TX area. If you have questions, they have the answers you’re looking for. Schedule a consultation today to get all of your questions answered. Each of the agents has the knowledge and experience they need to give you the most accurate information possible. Call today!

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Sharing Renter’s Insurance with a Roommate

When it comes to your belongings, you’ve worked hard for them. Thus, it’s imperative to have your items protected just in case an unforeseen incident happens. Sometimes the unthinkable happens, like a disaster that destroys your rental unit with your belongings, or they become stolen.

With this in mind, having a rental insurance property that adequately covers your rental home and things is very important. Also, if you have a roommate, you can share a renters’ insurance property with him/her. There are various pros and cons with this, and each state has its own rules regarding rental insurance and sharing a renters’ insurance policy with a roommate. However, when you use reputable insurance agents who are highly trained and licensed in renter’s insurance, you can eliminate potential issues regarding having a renter’s insurance with your roommate.      

If you live anywhere in Texas, such as Houston, TX, Insurance Over Texas is the insurance company you should contact about any renter’s insurance question. They are highly trained and licensed with several years of experience. They know and empathize with their clients knowing the drama and confusion that sometimes occur with a renter’s insurance policy shared among roommates.

From handling claims to the ownership of shared belongings, Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX will help you every step of the way. They are affiliated with tons of insurance products, and they will find the right renter’s insurance policy for you.  Located in Houston, they anxiously await to assist you. You can easily contact them via email and phone. Also, you can get a comparison of quotes from them. So, contact them today. 

 

 

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Insurance Implications Of Flash Flooding In Texas

Insurance Over Texas, in Houston, TX  offers flood insurance policies, which supplements Federal flood insurance. Homeowners and renters insurance does not cover floods.   Homeowners Insurance generally covers an accidental discharge which is water damage from extinguishing a fire, unintentional damage to a heating or AC system, frozen pipes, fire protection sprinkler system going off and a leaking roof.

The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 created the National Flood Insurance Program NFIP whose goal is to alleviate the economic losses of a flood through the creation of community building standards.   Community participation in the NFIP was not mandatory, but cooperation allowed the community to purchase flood insurance to pay towards flood economic losses to manage floodplains using insurance to manage a Special Flood Hazard. Congress in 1979, created the Federal  Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  FEMA has ten regions which employ more than 14,000 employees.  FEMA’s goal is to protect Americans to survive and recover from a national disaster which is either natural, man-made, or acts of terror.  FEMA is well-known to come in action to help people overcome the effects of flooding.  

A flash flood is in low-lying areas as a result of rapid flooding that occurs within six hours between the cessation of rainfall and the onset of the flooding.   Many times the onset of as flash flood is in normally dry areas.  The flash flooding can be associated with harsh thunderstorms or tropical storms, hurricanes, water flow related to melting ice and collapsing of dams.   Texas is predisposed to floods, principally in two significant parts of the state: the coast and a broad area of Texas named Flash Flood Alley that stretches through Central and North Texas and would receive FEMA attention as a Special Flood Hazard.

The agents of insurance Over Texas in Houston,TX can both instruct its clients on how to make a flood claim with FEMA and to offer private flood insurance if FEMA’s limits are surpassed.  Please call!

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Protect yourself from negligent neighbors with condo insurance

Condominium insurance can be confusing when it comes to knowing whose insurance is responsible for different types of damage. If you live in a condo, you should have your own insurance in addition to that provided by your Condominium Owners Association (COA) because of the limitations that their policy will have in the event of damage to your unit. The team at Insurance Over Texas is here to help condo owners in the greater Houston, TX area find the right policy to meet their needs. Don’t be fooled by the COA policy that is in place as this will not provide coverage for damage to your unit.

Don’t let your negligent neighbors ruin your condo!

You may be surprised to learn that in most instances you can be held responsible for damage to your condo even if it is caused by a negligent neighbor! While this may seem unfair, it is typically how condo boards operate. When you live in a multi-family dwelling such as a condo, it is vital that you have adequate coverage in place. Your COA insurance protection is typically limited to the common areas of your building and will not cover an event that occurs within your unit. If you are unfortunate enough to have negligent neighbors, your coverage is even more critical. Make sure that you have comprehensive condo insurance in-place at adequate coverage levels to make sure that your home and belongings are covered.

Is it time to review your condo policy for completeness? If you are in the greater Houston, TX area and want to make sure that your condo insurance policy will provide the protection you need, call or stop Insurance Over Texas today for a policy review. We can help you find the most appropriate coverage to meet your needs.

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