News & Articles

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in Texas, and they can develop with little warning. Knowing exactly what to do in the moments a flood strikes protects your family first and your property second. The decisions you make during those critical hours also shape how smoothly your insurance claim goes later.

Living along the Gulf Coast means flooding is a question of when, not if. Preparation done well before the water rises is the difference between a manageable recovery and a devastating loss. These safety habits help protect both people and property.

Hurricanes give more warning than most disasters, but that window closes fast. Acting decisively as a storm approaches keeps your household safe and positions you for a stronger insurance recovery afterward.

The strongest hurricane defense is built long before the first cloud appears. Taking the time to harden your property and organize your documents now reduces damage and removes friction from any claim you may need to file.

Major carriers have been pulling back from high-risk markets, and Texas homeowners are feeling the effects. When an insurer pauses new policies or limits coverage, it reshapes the options available to property owners across the state.

Filing a flood claim in Texas comes with its own rules and pitfalls. Knowing how the process works helps you avoid the common mistakes that lead to underpaid or denied claims.

Most homeowners know their house is insured, but many are surprised by what else their policy covers, and by the limits that apply. Understanding these distinctions prevents unwelcome surprises when you file a claim.

Outdoor cooking and campfires are summer staples, but they are also a leading cause of preventable fires and property damage. A few simple precautions keep your gatherings safe.

After a major storm like Hurricane Beryl, opportunistic contractors and so-called storm chasers flood affected neighborhoods. Knowing the warning signs protects your money and your claim.

Hurricane Beryl left widespread damage across the Texas coast, and many policyholders are facing the claims process for the first time. A methodical approach gives you the best chance at a full recovery.

Recovery after Hurricane Beryl is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying organized and patient through the process protects both your wellbeing and your financial recovery.

Renters often assume their landlord's policy protects their belongings. It does not. Renters insurance is inexpensive coverage that protects your possessions and shields you from liability.

When budgets get tight, insurance premiums can feel like an easy expense to cut. But canceling or letting a policy lapse exposes you to catastrophic risk and lasting financial consequences.

Hurricane season runs from June through November, but preparation should start well before. A little planning now spares you scrambling when a storm is bearing down.

Not every loss warrants a claim, and filing at the wrong time, or for the wrong amount, can cost you in the long run. Knowing when to file helps you protect both your finances and your coverage.

When you hire a public adjuster, you may notice their name appears alongside yours on the insurance settlement check. This is standard practice, and understanding why it happens should put your mind at ease.

There is no hard limit on the number of claims you can file, but the number you file matters. Insurers track your claims history and use it to make decisions about your rates and renewals.

When you file a significant claim, the insurance company sends its own adjuster, who works for the insurer. A public adjuster works only for you. Deciding whether to hire one comes down to the size and complexity of your loss.

Once you file a claim, you may wonder how long you have to complete repairs and settle. The answer depends on your policy terms and Texas law, but acting within clear timeframes protects your rights.

Recovering from a house fire is overwhelming, and the restoration process has many stages. Understanding what to expect helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly missteps along the way.

Filing an insurance claim can feel like navigating a maze, especially during a stressful time. Knowing the basic steps helps you stay in control and avoid mistakes that could reduce your settlement.

The cost of restoring a home after a fire varies widely depending on the severity, but the total almost always runs higher than homeowners expect. Understanding what drives the cost helps you ensure your claim reflects reality.

Many homeowners hesitate to file a claim out of fear it will raise their rates or hurt their coverage. There is some truth to the concern, but the right answer depends on your situation.

If you have never worked with a public adjuster, you may wonder whether they are legitimate. They are, and in Texas they are licensed and regulated professionals who represent policyholders, not insurance companies.

The word adjuster appears throughout the claims process, but not all adjusters work for the same side. Knowing the difference is essential to protecting your interests.

Insurance policies are dense and full of jargon, but understanding yours before a loss occurs puts you in a far stronger position. Here is how to make sense of the key sections.

We tend to think of severe weather as a summer concern, but in Texas, damaging storms can strike any month of the year. Year-round readiness protects your property no matter the calendar.

How you communicate with your insurer can shape the outcome of your claim. Clear, documented, and measured communication protects your rights and keeps the process on track.

Not all water damage is equal. When a pipe bursts, the category of water involved determines the health risk and the cleanup required, and it can affect your claim.

For business owners, a storm threatens not only physical property but also revenue, employees, and customer relationships. Preparation protects all of it.

After years of dedicated service to Texas policyholders, Ed Shinn has announced his retirement from Crossroads Insurance Recovery Advocates. His leadership helped shape the firm into the trusted advocate it is today.