Potential Tropical Storm Heading for South Texas Coast; Time for Residents to Prepare

August 21, 2023

CORPUS CHRISTI – A potential tropical storm is forecast to impact the South Texas coast beginning on Tuesday with heavy rain and strong winds. Residents need to prepare their property to reduce potential damage and be ready to file an insurance claim, recommends the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA).

“Now is the time to gather copies of your homeowners, flood, and auto insurance policies and make a home inventory using your cell phone to take pictures or videos of your belongings,” said Lee Ann Alexander, vice president of state government relations for APCIA. “If your home or business is damaged in the storm, remember to contact your insurer as soon as possible to get the claims process started.”

Damage associated with wind and other severe weather is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy. Flood damage is not typically covered under these policies but can be covered under a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or the private insurance market. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered if the policyholder’s auto policy includes comprehensive insurance coverage.

“Residents along the Texas coast should keep a close watch on the storm to see how it develops and which areas will experience the worst impacts,” added Alexander.

APCIA urges residents to take the following actions to prepare for potential impacts from the storm:

1. Gather copies of your insurance policies. Keep copies of your insurance policies (home, flood and auto) in a safe, dry, and accessible location or have your policy numbers available.
2. Save your insurer’s contact info. Save your insurer’s toll-free claims number to your cell phone’s contacts. APCIA has a list of insurer’s toll-free numbers here.
3. Make a home or business inventory. Use your smartphone to take photos or videos of your belongings, including furniture, appliances, clothes, lawn equipment, jewelry, and art. Save your inventory to a place where you can easily retrieve it. You can also check if your insurer has an app to help with creating a home inventory.
4. Restock your emergency supply kit. Have enough food, water, and medication for each member of your family, including your pets, for at least seven days.
5. Physically prepare your property. Remove any yard debris and secure outdoor items, like grills, toys, and patio furniture, that could become projectiles during high winds.  
6. Review your evacuation plans. If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, review your evacuation plans. Do not forget to include pets in your plan. Never leave pets behind.

Additional APCIA Resources

What to Do Before a Hurricane

What to Do After a Hurricane

How to Avoid Contractor Fraud & Abuse

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.