What To Do If Your Business Suffers Fire Damage
November 8, 2021
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​Nothing is more devastating than losing your business in a calamity, such as a fire. You lose both your income and your prized investment (business) when calamity strikes. It's normal not to know what to do after your business suffered fire damage. It's hoped that the tips below would help you resolve your dilemma after a fire destroys your business:


Don't Touch Anything That's Damaged 

Please don't go into your establishment's premises unless firefighters tell you it's all right to do so. Debris from a fire may leave unseen elements that are unsafe. Moving the items from your establishment may affect the insurance coverage benefits your business gets. To ensure you get a fair amount of reimbursement, leave it up to damage assessors to assess the calamity damage. 


Contact the Insurance Provider Right Away 

Specialists from your insurance provider can start the process of reimbursement by assessing the fire damage. You'll be informed of the do's, and don’ts in protecting the calamity insurance benefits you'll get. Afterward, you shall get the advice of the total amount of insurance reimbursement your business will receive. If you're renting a business space, speak to the insurance provider of your landlord, too. 


After the Clearance, Get Rid of Essential Stuff 

Examples include business licenses, inventory documents, accounting papers, employee documentation, insurance data, cash, credit cards, and checkbooks. Don't retrieve your stuff from a fire safe until these things have cooled off. Otherwise, they or the safe may burst into flames. 


Notify the Nearest Law Enforcement Agency

Prevent other problems such as vandalism, theft, and liabilities from occurring after a fire. Notify the nearest law enforcement agency as to the calamity your business suffered. Additionally, inform employees, clients, suppliers, vendors, post office, utility, and credit card companies that there was a fire in your establishment. Informing these parties enables them to plan what to do about the situation. 


Turn off the Utilities 

Turn off the valve's water, gas, and metered electricity to prevent more fire from erupting or spreading. 


Conclusion 

It's still not the end of the world if a fire damages your business. Remember, it's not too late to start over. Remain calm, composed, and objective, and you're sure to overcome challenges brought about by a calamity. 


At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency, Inc., we do our best to ensure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (409) 945-4746 or Click Here to request a free quote.

October 8, 2025
If you live near the Texas Gulf Coast, you’re no stranger to high winds, tropical storms, and hurricanes . Homeowners in coastal areas like Texas City, Texas, face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their properties. One of the most common questions people ask is whether windstorm insurance can be combined with other types of coverage—like homeowners, flood, or renters insurance—for better protection and easier management. The short answer? Yes, in many cases you can combine or coordinate windstorm insurance with other policies—but it’s important to understand how each type works and what’s covered. Understanding Windstorm Insurance Windstorm insurance provides protection against damage caused by strong winds, hurricanes, hail, and tornadoes. These events can cause extensive damage to roofs, siding, windows, and other structural elements of a home. In Texas, especially along the coast, many standard homeowners insurance policies exclude windstorm and hail coverage. Instead, property owners often need to purchase separate windstorm insurance through private insurers or through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Key Features of Windstorm Insurance Covers structural dam age caused by wind, hail, and flying debris Typically includes roof, windows, walls, and foundation repairs May include detached structures like garages or sheds Does not cover flood damage ca used by storm surge or rising water How Windstorm Insurance Works in Texas In coastal regions of Texas, homeowners often get windstorm coverage through TWIA, which is a state-managed program created to ensure residents can obtain insurance when private companies won’t provide it. To qualify for a TWIA policy, your property usually needs to: Be located in an eligi ble coastal county (such as Galveston County, where Texas City, Texas, is located) Meet specific building code requirements for wind resistance Be certified by the Texas Depart ment of Insurance (TDI) Can You Combine Windstorm Insurance with Other Policies? Yes—but not in the way many people expect. Windstorm insurance can be layered or coordinated with other types of coverage to create a more complete protection plan. Here’s how it typically works: 1. Homeowners Insurance + Windstorm Insurance Your homeowners policy covers general perils like fire, theft, and water leaks—but often excludes wind or hail damage if you live near the coast. Adding a windstorm policy ensures your property is protected from hurricane-force winds and other severe weather. Together, they provide a more comprehensive safety net for your home. 2. Windstorm Insurance + Flood Insurance It’s a common misconception that flood damage is covered under windstorm insurance—it’s not. Flood damage is handled through a separate flood insurance policy, typically backed by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Example: A hurricane hits Texas City, Texas, and your home suffers both roof damage from high winds and flooding from storm surge. You r windstorm policy would cover the roof and structural wind damage. Your floo d policy would cover water damage caused by rising floodwaters. To be fully protected, many coastal homeowners carry both windstorm and flood insurance in addition to their homeowners policy. 3. Renters and Condo Owners If you rent or own a condo near the coast: Renters: You can purchase a renters insurance policy for your personal belongings and add windstorm coverage if required by your lease or property manager. Condo Owners: Your condo association’s master policy may cover exterior wind damage, but you’ll likely need your own unit owner’s policy for interior damage and personal property. Benefits of Combining Coverage When properly coordinated, these policies offer: Compreh ensive protection: Covers wind, flood, and general property damage. Streamlined claims: Easier coordination between insurers when damage comes from multiple sources. Peace of mind: Confidence knowing you’re protected from Texas’s unpredictable weather. Customizable options: You can tailor deductibles and limits to fit your budget and risk level. Important Considerations Before Combining Policies Review y our exclusions: Make sure you know what each policy covers and excludes. Understand deductibles: Windstorm policies often have percentage-based deductibles, especially in hurricane zones. Keep documentation: Maintain proof of property inspections, certifications, and maintenance for claims. Work with a licensed local agent: An experienced insurance professional in Texas City, Texas, can help you compare coverage options, ensure compliance with TWIA requirements, and bundle policies where possible. Check for discounts: Some i nsurers offer multi-policy discounts when you bundle homeowners, auto, or flood insurance. The Bottom Line For homeowners along the Texas Gulf Coast, windstorm insurance is essential, but it shouldn’t stand alone. Combining it with homeowners and flood insurance creates a stronger shield against the financial fallout of hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds. If you live in or near Texas City, Texas, talk to a local insurance professional about your options. They can help ensure your home and belongings are fully protected—no matter what the next storm season brings. At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get insurance that fits your needs. 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