Author: edcantui

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?

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

Picture this: It’s a calm, sunny day in the Coastal Bend. You just paid your homeowners insurance premium, which is already one of the highest in the country. You might be feeling a little frustrated, maybe even cheated, by the cost of living in such a beautiful, yet risky, area. But hold on a minute – there’s something even worse than overpaying for protection: underpaying.

Yes, you read that right. Underpaying for insurance can be a disastrous mistake, especially when it comes to protecting your most valuable asset – your home. You see, while homeowners insurance covers a multitude of perils, there’s one lurking danger that it typically doesn’t cover: floods.

That’s right. Flooding is not included in your standard homeowners insurance policy. Surprising? Maybe. Alarming? Absolutely. Especially when you consider that flooding can happen anywhere – not just in designated high-risk zones. Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate. Whether it’s a hurricane, a tropical storm, or just an unusually heavy downpour, the Coastal Bend is highly susceptible to flooding.

So, what’s the solution? A separate flood insurance policy. This is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. Here’s why:

1. The Cost of Flood Damage is Astronomical

Imagine your beautiful living room turned into a wading pool. The water seeps into your walls, your floors, your precious belongings. The aftermath? Repair costs that could easily bankrupt you. According to FEMA, just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage to your home. Without flood insurance, you’re left footing that hefty bill all by yourself.

2. Federal Aid is Not a Surefire Solution

Some homeowners mistakenly believe that federal disaster assistance will cover their losses. The truth? Federal aid is often limited and comes in the form of loans – loans that must be repaid, with interest. Flood insurance, on the other hand, provides the funds needed to repair and rebuild without adding financial strain.

3. Peace of Mind is Priceless

Imagine the relief of knowing you’re fully covered. No more sleepless nights worrying about the next big storm. No more frantic checks of the weather forecast. With flood insurance, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your home and your family’s future.

4. It’s More Affordable Than You Think

Yes, flood insurance is an additional expense, but consider the alternative. The cost of a flood insurance policy is a fraction of what you’d pay out-of-pocket for repairs. In fact, many homeowners find that the peace of mind it brings is worth every penny.

5. Protect Your Investment

Your home is likely your largest investment. Why leave it vulnerable? Just as you wouldn’t drive your car without auto insurance, you shouldn’t live in a flood-prone area without flood insurance. It’s that simple.

The Bottom Line

In the Coastal Bend, where the threat of flooding is ever-present, securing a separate flood insurance policy isn’t just a smart move – it’s an essential one. Don’t fall into the trap of underpaying for protection and risking everything. Be proactive. Safeguard your home. Because when the next flood hits – and it will – you’ll be glad you did.

Remember, the only thing worse than paying too much for your protection is paying too little. Make the right choice today and protect your home with flood insurance. Your future self will thank you if you call our office today at 361 991-3575 and secure your protection before it’s too late.  Do it now because there is a 30 day waiting period before this vital protection kicks in.

Because we Care,

Ed Cantu