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Attention Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend Homeowners: Prepare for Tonight’s Freeze!

Unprotected Frozen Water Pipes!

Attention Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend Homeowners: Prepare for Tonight’s Freeze!

As winter’s icy grip continues to descend upon South Texas, it’s time to take proactive steps to protect your home, loved ones and pets from the freezing temperatures. Don’t let this freeze catch you unprepared—take action now to safeguard your home, your family, and your finances from potential damage caused by ice, snow, and harsh winds.

Here are 10 Essential Tips to help you prepare before the freeze hits:

1. Keep It Cozy

Set your thermostat to at least 65°F to keep your home warm and prevent pipes from freezing and remember to bring in your pets too.

2. Drip Your Faucets

Allow both hot and cold water to drip slightly. This small step can help prevent your pipes from freezing.

3. Insulate Pipes

Wrap exposed pipes in insulation, especially in crawl spaces, unheated rooms, garages, and exterior walls.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

5. Check Heating Sources

Ensure your fireplace, stoves, and space heaters are in good working condition and ready for use.

6. Close the Fireplace Flue

If you’re not using your fireplace, make sure the flue is closed to prevent cold air from entering your home.

7. Clear Snow and Ice

Keep sidewalks, driveways, and entryways clear of snow and ice to prevent accidents and ensure safe access.

8. Watch for Ice Dams

Monitor your roof and gutters for ice dams, which can cause significant water damage if not addressed.

9. Trim Weak Branches

Remove weak or broken tree branches that could fall under the weight of ice or snow, potentially causing property damage.

10. Keep Insurance Info Handy

Have your insurance company’s claims number readily available in case you experience damage. Be prepared to file a claim to protect your assets.

Share the Knowledge

Please Pass this vital information along to your neighbors, family, and friends. Preparation is the key to minimizing winter’s impact, and together, we can weather this storm. Call us at (361) 991-3575 for additional information or to make sure your protection is up to date.

Stay safe and warm!

Because we care,
Ed Cantu

 

How will the California Wildfires effect Property Insurance Rates for Texans?

How will the California Wildfires effect Property Insurance Rates for Texans?

The California wildfires are an ongoing discussion as we watch and pray for our fellow countrymen. It’s only natural to wonder, “How will these losses affect our insurance rates in Texas?”

The devastating wildfires in California not only affect the residents and businesses in the immediate area but can also have a ripple effect on property insurance rates across the country, including Texas. Here are the top five reasons these fires may indirectly influence the cost of property insurance in Texas:

1. Reinsurance Costs
Although insurers cannot directly raise Texas rates to cover losses in California, large-scale disasters like these fires drive up global reinsurance costs. Reinsurance—insurance that insurers buy to protect against large claims—becomes more expensive after significant catastrophic events. Insurers operating in Texas may experience higher reinsurance premiums. If they can demonstrate that these costs affect risk pricing in Texas, this could be reflected in state-specific rate filings.

2. Investment Strategies
Insurers often rely on investment returns to offset underwriting losses. When large-scale disasters reduce profits, insurers may become more conservative in their investment and pricing strategies. For Texas, a state prone to catastrophic events such as wildfires, hailstorms, and hurricanes, this heightened caution could translate to increased rates.

3. Increased Focus on Catastrophic Risk
Events like the California wildfires prompt insurers to reassess their risk models and exposure. Texas, with its vulnerability to hurricanes, severe storms, and other disasters, might see higher rates as insurers apply more conservative assumptions to account for future risks.

4. Regulatory and Market Trends
Texas insurance rates are regulated, meaning any rate increases must be justified and approved by the state. However, broader market trends—such as rising costs for reinsurance or heightened awareness of catastrophic risks—can create an environment where rate increase filings are more likely to gain approval.

5. Climate Pattern Change Considerations
The growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, are pushing insurers to factor long-term climate risks into their pricing. Texas, with its exposure to various climate-related risks, is likely to see gradual increases in premiums as part of this broader trend.

Final Thoughts
While Texas property owners are not directly affected by the California wildfires, the interconnected nature of the insurance industry means that significant disasters can still have an impact here. Understanding these indirect influences can help property owners and real estate professionals stay informed about potential changes in insurance costs. For personalized advice or further concerns, reach out to us today at (361) 991-3575.

Because We Care!

Ed Cantu