Questions & answers · Home insurance
What does my homeowners policy actually cover, and what does it usually not cover?
Home insuranceOtherTexasChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: TDI View original ↗
In short
- A Texas home policy has six parts, like house, belongings and living costs.
- Fire, theft and sudden water release are usually covered.
- Floods, earthquakes and wear and tear usually are not.
What this means
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says most Texas home policies have six coverages. They are the house, your belongings, other buildings, extra living costs, personal liability and medical payments [1]. For example, personal property coverage pays if your furniture or clothes are stolen, damaged or destroyed [1].
TDI's table says most policies cover damage from fire and lightning, a sudden and accidental release of water or smoke, explosion, theft, and windstorm, hurricane and hail (but not if you live on the Gulf Coast) [1].
Most policies do not cover flooding, a continuous water leak, termites or other pests, wear and tear, and earthquakes or earth movement [1].
TDI also says "Coverages vary by company". Read your policy or ask your agent [1].
Your next step
Find your declarations page (the first page of your policy). It lists your coverages, dollar limits and deductibles. The page gives no deadline.
Check it yourself
Open the TDI guide below and find the heading "What risks does a home policy cover?".
Where this comes from (1)
[1] TDI · checked 2026-11-06
Most home policies in Texas include these six coverages: … Personal property coverage pays if your furniture, clothing, and other things you own are stolen, damaged, or destroyed. … Coverages vary by company. Read your policy or talk to your agent to be sure of your exact coverages. … Fire and lightning … Sudden and accidental release of water or smoke … Explosion … Theft … Windstorm, hurricane, and hail (but not if …
How we found this
We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
Related answers
- Someone else caused damage to my home. Do I file with my insurance or theirs?
- My home policy deductible is a percentage. How much will I really pay, and does it apply to each claim?
- My Florida home policy has a separate hurricane deductible. How is it counted if two storms hit in one year?
- A pipe leaked in my house. Will my homeowners insurance pay for the water damage and the mold?
Answer id CQ7027. Spotted an error? Tell us.