Texas Watch—Consumer Protection. Corporate Accountability. Citizen Advocacy.

Tropical Storm Alex is building strength in the Gulf of Mexico.  Forecasters are currently predicting the storm to make landfall in northern Mexico later this week as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane.  Tropical storm force winds could affect the Rio Grande Valley up to the Coastal Bend.

Texas Watch, a statewide non-profit consumer group active on insurance issues, encourages residents in South Texas to prepare for the possibility of having to file a catastrophic insurance claim by taking a few precautionary steps.

“Homeowners along the southern Texas coast should take a few simple steps before Alex makes land,” said Alex Winslow, Executive Director of Texas Watch.  “By preparing for the storm in advance, homeowners will be able to expedite their insurance claim.”

Texas Watch recommends that Texas families take the following actions before the storm:

• Locate Your Policy. Homeowners should locate their insurance policy and review it in advance of the storm hitting the Texas coast.  Texas Watch strongly encourages homeowners to keep their policy – along with contact information for their insurance agent and company – with them so that if they are required to file a claim, they have their policy information available.
• Inventory Your Home. Homeowners should have an up-to-date comprehensive household inventory so that they have a record of their personal belongings.  Homeowners should at least have a paper inventory stored in a safe place.  Texas Watch recommends also making a photographic or video record.  Keep this record with you in a safe place.  View Texas Watch’s comprehensive inventory list: www.TexasWatch.org/homeowners-inventory
• Monitor the Storm. Residents should follow news reports about Tropical Storm Alex  in the coming days and heed warnings to safeguard their homes and comply with evacuation orders if needed.

“With regard to preparing for a possible insurance claim, the most important thing homeowners can do is make sure they understand their policy, record their belongings, and know who to contact if they have to file a claim,” said Winslow.

Texas Watch provides these tips for homeowners who do have to file a claim with their insurance carrier: www.TexasWatch.org/natural-disaster-claims.

Other useful resources:

• American Red Cross Hurricane Preparation Tips
• Texas Department of Insurance Hurricane Preparation Tips
• Texas Department of Public Safety Hurricane Preparedness
• Texas Department of Transportation Hurricane Information (including road conditions)

For More Information: Contact Alex Winslow, 512-381-1111