Texans Pay More For Home Insurance Thanks To Bad Weather
By: Meredith Hillgartner
Updated: December 19, 2012
"People like Lubbock because we have great sun when the sun's here," Ron Hettler said. "And when the sun's not here it's typically something ugly."
On days like today it may not be hard to imagine why Texans pay higher home insurance than any other state.
"We don't live in a normal place," Hettler said. "We live in an exciting place. We've got fires, we've got windstorms, we've got hail, we've got lightning."
A new study from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners said Texans pay an average of $1500 per policy --that's $600 more than the national average.
"People are shocked when they come from other states," Hettler said. "The premiums from the Midwest to here were probably in doubling range something like that."
Ron Hettler of Hettler's Insurance said it is one event imparticular that causes the most damage.
"Hail," Hettler said. "It's hail no question. When hail occurs it's big and it's nasty."
Hettler said the increased amount of claims makes it hard for companies to turn a profit without raising premiums.
"Insurance companies are paying out a little more than they are taking in," Hettler said. "Like two or three cents on every dollar that comes in they spend that on claims and administration expenses. So they are not making any money."
Hettler said there are a few things homeowners can do for your home to avoid filing a claim.
"Make sure all your shingles are down if you can," Hettler said. "Make sure all your windows are tight and you don't have loose things in your backyard that can blow into your home when these high winds hit."
