Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc. Blog

Illustrated coastal home under storm clouds with roof and drainage checklist for hurricane preparedness
By Brad Spurgeon • November 2, 2026
When buying on the Gulf Coast, understanding home owners insurance in Texas is essential, because a standard HO-3 policy covers fire, theft, and many everyday perils, but excludes windstorm, hail, and flood in most coastal counties. That means a single hurricane can trigger three separate claims under three separate policies, and if you only carry one policy, two of those losses come out of your own pocket. This checklist walks through what each layer covers, what it costs in 2026, and which option closes all three gaps most efficiently. Whether you're closing on a home next week or reviewing a policy you've had for years, the sequence below gives you a clear path forward.
TW login screen with woman at laptop, smiling and pointing at a sign-in panel with security icons and house illustration
By Brad Spurgeon • November 2, 2026
If you're searching for a TW login and you live on the Texas Gulf Coast, you're likely trying to reach one of two portals: the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policyholder site or your insurance agency's online client account. TWIA uses "TW" prominently in its name and branding, and it's the essential portal for managing windstorm and coastal home coverage. Knowing which portal you need, and what to expect at the sign-in screen, makes the whole process much simpler. This guide covers the most common TW portals Gulf Coast homeowners land on, how to log into each one, how to fix errors that block access, how to recover a forgotten password, and how to verify you're on a legitimate page before you type a single credential. And if you still can't get through, Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., a third-generation family-owned agency serving the Texas Gulf Coast since 1986, can walk you through it directly.
Progressive ad: “A good fit for Texas Gulf Coast homes?” with beach house, storm surf, and map graphic
By Brad Spurgeon • October 29, 2026
Progressive home insurance offers standard HO-3 coverage that works well for most American homeowners, but for Texas Gulf Coast properties, that base policy typically excludes the two biggest threats in the region: windstorm damage and flooding. Those aren't minor omissions for a home in Galveston County or along the Brazoria coastline. They're exactly what a hurricane or tropical storm delivers. Texas already carries some of the highest home insurance premiums in the country, and coastal ZIP codes push that figure even further above the national average. Spending that much on a policy that leaves windstorm and flood damage uncovered is a critical mistake. This article breaks down what progressive home insurance actually includes, where it falls short for coastal properties, and what a complete coverage picture looks like.
Infographic on flood insurance, showing a house, umbrella, and hurricane tips for protecting belongings and finances.
By Brad Spurgeon • October 29, 2026
Comprehensive personal liability coverage, known as Coverage E in your homeowners or renters policy, pays when someone else is injured on your property or you accidentally damage their property and you're legally responsible. It also covers your legal defense costs, attorney fees, and court judgments up to your policy limit. This guide breaks down exactly what you're covered for, what slips through the gaps, and how to build a comprehensive liability protection stack that actually holds up when a claim lands. Whether you're a first-time buyer in Texas City or a long-time Gulf Coast homeowner juggling a boat, a dog, and a rental unit, getting these limits right matters more here than almost anywhere else in the country.
Coastal home insurance ad with beach house, couple talking, and text “Ask Now, Protect Your Coastal Home”
By Brad Spurgeon • October 22, 2026
What are the most important questions to ask an insurance agent before buying coastal home insurance? Most buyers never think to ask them until after a storm. Many coastal homebuyers report spending more time negotiating kitchen countertops than understanding their insurance policy. That's a reasonable way to live, until a named storm makes landfall and the claim comes back short of what you needed. The policy was there. The coverage wasn't. Wind excluded. Flood not purchased. Deductible never translated into a real dollar amount. The policy looked fine on paper. In practice, it had gaps a storm could drive a boat through. This article gives you the questions that change that. Six categories. Each one designed to reveal whether the agent in front of you truly understands Gulf Coast exposure, or is simply filling in a form.
Handmade collage for
By Brad Spurgeon • October 22, 2026
Progressive home insurance is one of the most recognized products in the country, and that familiarity makes it easy for coastal homeowners to assume the policy covers everything it should. Many homeowners assume the standard policy handles all their risks, wind, water, and everything a Gulf Coast storm can throw at a house. It often leaves critical gaps. Gulf Coast homes face windstorm, flood, and hurricane risks that standard policies routinely exclude, and discovering those exclusions after a storm can lead to large out-of-pocket costs. This checklist walks through what a Progressive homeowners policy actually includes, where it leaves coastal buyers exposed, what it costs in Texas, and how to close the gaps before storm season arrives. We've been working with Gulf Coast homeowners from our base in Texas City since 1986.
October 19, 2026
Flooding can disrupt business operations, damage expensive equipment, and create financial losses that extend well beyond the initial cleanup. For commercial property owners, retailers, and service providers along the Texas Gulf Coast, understanding flood exposure is an important part of risk management. Knowing which
October 19, 2026
A small fire can become a serious emergency in moments. Whether it starts in the kitchen, garage, or another part of the house, knowing how to respond can help protect your family and property.
October 15, 2026
Strong winds from thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tropical storms can cause significant property damage. Missing roof shingles, broken windows, damaged siding, and fallen trees are just a few problems homeowners may discover after severe weather.
October 15, 2026
Flooding can happen quickly, leaving families with little time to protect their homes and reach safety. Heavy rainfall, overflowing waterways, tropical storms, and storm surge can create dangerous conditions, particularly in coastal communities.