05/26/2025
The Rio Grande Valley’s unique geographical position at the westernmost tip of the Gulf of Mexico places it directly in the path of tropical storms and hurricanes that form over warm Gulf waters. While McAllen experiences fewer direct hurricane impacts than coastal areas, the region remains vulnerable to significant damage from high winds, storm surge, and particularly flooding, which has historically caused over $350 million in damage to the region. In order to protect yourself from the financial impacts of any damage you experience, you must get the right insurance for your home.
It is fundamental for RGV homeowners to understand the local insurance requirements.
What Standard Homeowners Insurance Covers
- Home Insurance is required by lenders (though not legally mandated by Texas)
- Typically covers wind damage but excludes flooding which is the most common hurricane-related damage in RGV. This necessitates separate flood insurance.
Use this guide to understand your hurricane insurance options, evaluate your policy, and prepare your coverage before the next storm hits.
Why Hurricane Insurance Is Essential
For properties near the U.S.-Mexico border, additional considerations apply. Cross-border flooding presents unique challenges, as water doesn’t respect international boundaries. Historic storms like Hurricane Beulah (1967), which remains the flood event of record for the region, caused the Rio Grande to overflow across both countries. Working with insurance agents familiar with these cross-border dynamics ensures you’re adequately covered for the RGV’s specific risks.
Choosing the Right Hurricane Insurance Policy
It is essential for RGV homeowners to understand the different types of hurricane-related insurance to get comprehensive protection. Standard homeowners’ insurance typically covers wind damage, but has significant limitations when it comes to hurricane protection as it excludes flood damage. Some policies may have specific hurricane or windstorm deductibles that differ from your standard deductible.
Key Hurricane Insurance Options for RGV Homeowners
When it comes to protecting your home in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), you must ensure to have the right insurance coverage. The table below outlines the key types of insurance every RGV homeowner should consider. From standard homeowners policies to specialized windstorm and flood coverage, each option plays an important role in safeguarding your property and peace of mind. Take note of the differences before deciding on coverage.
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Why It Matters in RGV |
| Standard HO-3/HO-5 | Wind damage, structure, belongings, liability | Good base coverage, but excludes flooding |
| Windstorm Insurance | Damage from wind and hail | Compulsory in hurricane-prone RGV |
| Flood Insurance (NFIP) | Rising water damage to home and contents | Essential; includes 30-day waiting period (not with private insurer) |
| Private Flood Insurance | Alternative to NFIP; higher limits possible | More flexibility; may provide broader coverage options |
HO-5 policies offer the most comprehensive coverage and are ideal for high-value properties. Flood insurance also deserves special attention in the RGV and is essential even if you’re not in a designated flood zone.
Know what to look for when comparing policies:
Comparing quotes gives you a good idea what is offered and what to look for. Look beyond price to evaluate:
- Coverage limits
- Exclusions and deductibles
- Claims processing reputation
- Bundling discounts (home, auto, etc.)
- Cross-border coverage, especially if living near the U.S.-Mexico border
Evaluate your coverage needs and deductibles
Choosing the right insurance type is just step one. Now make sure your coverage amount is sufficient.
Dwelling Coverage:
For RGV homeowners, coverage should be based on:
- Replacement cost: The amount needed to rebuild your home at current construction prices, rather than market value or purchase price. Coverage must fully protect your investment against worst-case scenarios.
Factor in:
- Debris removal
- Code upgrades
- Inflation-adjusted construction costs
Consider extended replacement cost endorsements, which increase coverage by 25–50%.
Personal Property Coverage:
Personal property coverage deserves careful consideration:
- Standard policies usually offer 50–70% of the dwelling coverage for contents.
- May not be enough for electronics, collectibles, or expensive items.
- Create a detailed home inventory and consider riders for valuables like jewelry or art.
Understand deductibles:
- Standard homeowner deductibles are typically a flat amount.
- Hurricane/windstorm deductibles are percentage-based (1–5% of your home’s insured value).
- E.g., $250,000 home with 2% deductible = $5,000 out-of-pocket.
- Higher deductibles = lower premiums, but more risk during a disaster.
Know the exclusions:
Review policy exclusions with particular attention to hurricane-related scenarios. Standard policies often exclude damage from the following common events during hurricanes.
- Storm surge
- Water backup
- Ground movement
Look for “anti-concurrent causation” clauses, which may deny claims if a covered peril (like wind) and an excluded peril (like flooding) both cause damage.
Pre-Season Hurricane Insurance Checklist for RGV Homeowners
With hurricane season approaching, RGV homeowners should take proactive steps to make ure their insurance coverage is ready for whatever Mother Nature brings.
✅ Schedule a Policy Review:
Meet with your insurance agent to confirm that your home can be fully rebuilt or repaired if damaged.
✅ Update Your Policy:
Include any new renovations, purchases, or increases in property value.
Verify your flood insurance is in place. Don’t wait for the 30-day waiting period.
✅ Document Your Property:
Create a room-by-room photo/video inventory of:
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Valuables
Include model numbers, purchase dates, and values.
- Store digital and physical copies in:
- Cloud storage
- A waterproof container
✅ Make It an Annual Habit:
- Review and update insurance coverage each year.
- Consider how changing flood risks, home improvements, or property value shifts may affect your needs.
Be storm-ready with Safeguard Insurance Agency
Hurricane season doesn’t wait—and neither should you. The right insurance plan offers more than just peace of mind—it protects your home, finances, and future.
RGV McAllen: act today
- Let our local experts help you find tailored coverage for your RGV home, from flood and windstorm insurance to comprehensive homeowner policies.
Don’t wait until it’s too late: get protected before the next hurricane hits.
Hurricane Insurance FAQ
1. What is hurricane insurance?
Hurricane insurance isn’t a single policy. It typically refers to a combination of windstorm and flood insurance. Homeowners may need both types to be fully protected from hurricane-related damage.
2. What does hurricane insurance cover?
Hurricane insurance generally covers damage caused by strong winds, flying debris, and heavy rainfall. However, flooding from storm surge or rising water is not included in standard homeowners or windstorm policies and requires separate flood insurance.
3. Does renters insurance cover hurricane damage?
Renters insurance may cover damage to your personal belongings from wind or rain that enters through a damaged structure. Important to note it does not cover flooding, and you’ll need a separate flood policy to protect your possessions from water damage.
4. Is hurricane insurance required in Texas?
Hurricane insurance isn’t legally required, but mortgage lenders often mandate windstorm and flood coverage for homes in high-risk areas like the Texas Gulf Coast or the RGV.
5. How much is hurricane insurance in Texas?
The cost varies by location, home value, and coverage limits. On average:
- Windstorm insurance: $1,000–$2,500 annually
- Flood insurance (NFIP): Around $700 annually
Premiums may be higher in coastal or flood-prone zones.
6. What is a hurricane deductible?
A hurricane deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance covers hurricane damage. It’s often a percentage (1%–5%) of your home’s insured value, especially in hurricane-prone areas like South Texas.
7. Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
Standard homeowners’ policies (like HO-3 or HO-5) typically cover wind damage but exclude flooding. In high-risk zones, wind coverage may also be excluded and must be purchased separately. .
8. What is the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA)?
TWIA is a state-run insurance provider offering wind and hail coverage for properties in coastal counties, including much of the RGV. It’s an essential option for homeowners if you can’t get wind coverage through standard insurers.
9. Can I buy private flood insurance?
Yes, it is advisable to buy private flood insurance that is available in Texas and may offer higher limits and broader coverage than the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It may also have shorter waiting periods and include additional living expenses.
10. How can I lower the cost of hurricane insurance?
You can reduce premiums by:
- Installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows
- Elevating your home (for flood risk reduction)
- Bundling policies with the same insurer
- Choosing a higher deductible (but make sure it’s affordable)
