Insurance binding practices during the June - November time frame are fairly universal across the industry.

Any new or increased insurance that covers wind and hurricane losses may not be bound in Texas or on the Gulf Coast (rules vary on the West Coast) when either of the following occurs:

When a windstorm designated as a hurricane by the U.S. Weather Bureau is in the Gulf of Mexico or within the box formed by Longitudes 80 degrees West and 105 degrees West, and Latitudes 15 degrees North and 34 degrees North.

When any part of the Texas coast is placed on Hurricane Watch or Warning status by the U.S. Weather Bureau.

This restriction will remain in force until 24 hours after the hurricane or storm system has left the "box" or is downgraded below Tropical Storm status by the U.S. Weather Bureau. This general restriction is universal with some deviation by company. Know your position on coverages for increases and renewals before the storm.

What does this mean?

If you are in the process of acquiring or insuring any physical assets (property, buildings, automobiles, etc.) or moving any coverages, keep your insurance agent informed. Make sure he/she can move swiftly to bind coverage before the time comes.

Additional information may be found in our Resource Library under the heading Disaster Preparation/Relief. You may also want to pick up a hurricane tracking chart at one of many local retailers. We hope you find this information useful. If you have any suggestions for our lists, please email us!