How to Prepare Your Texas Business Income, Assets and Employees for Summer Storms: Insurance Tips for July

At Malone Agency, we work with businesses across Texas to ensure they have the coverage they need to weather any storm. Here are some key tips to prepare your business for the unique risks of Texas summers.

1. Review Your Commercial Property Coverage

Texas businesses face a wide range of weather risks, including hurricanes, floods, hailstorms, and wildfires. Your first step in storm preparedness is to review your commercial property insurance policy to ensure it covers these Texas-specific risks.

What to look for:

• Windstorm and Hurricane Coverage: Texas is no stranger to hurricanes, especially in coastal areas. Ensure your policy covers wind damage from storms.
• Flood Insurance: Many parts of Texas are prone to flash flooding, especially during summer storms. Since flood damage isn’t typically covered by standard property insurance, consider adding a separate flood policy.
• Wildfire Protection: With Texas’ dry summers, wildfires can spread quickly. Make sure your policy includes coverage for fire-related losses.

2. Check Your Business Interruption Insurance

When severe weather hits Texas, it can disrupt your business operations. Business interruption insurance helps cover lost income if your business has to temporarily close due to a covered event.

Key considerations:

• Does your policy cover Texas-specific risks like hurricanes or wildfires?
• How long does the coverage last?
• Does it account for supply chain disruptions, which are common in Texas during major storms?

Business interruption coverage can make the difference between a quick recovery and long-term financial hardship.

3. Protect Your Equipment and Inventory

Texas storms can cause significant damage to your business’s equipment, inventory, and valuable assets. Make sure your commercial insurance policy adequately covers these items.

Steps to take:

• Conduct a detailed inventory of your business assets, especially if you operate in industries like agriculture or manufacturing, which are prominent in Texas.
• Ensure high-value items are specifically covered under your policy.
• Store important equipment and documents in secure, weather-resistant locations.

4. Don’t Overlook Liability Coverage

Texas storms can create hazardous conditions for customers and employees alike. For example, strong winds or flooding can lead to slippery floors or falling debris, increasing the risk of injury.

Ensure your liability insurance covers:

• Bodily Injury: In case someone is injured on your property due to storm-related conditions.
• Property Damage: If debris from your business causes damage to a neighboring property.

Robust liability coverage can help protect your Texas business from costly lawsuits following a storm.

5. Create a Texas-Specific Disaster Preparedness Plan

Having a disaster preparedness plan tailored to Texas weather risks is essential for minimizing storm-related impacts on your business.

Your plan should include:

• Emergency Communication Protocols: Make sure employees know who to contact and what steps to take during a storm.
• Evacuation Procedures: Map out safe evacuation routes, especially in areas prone to hurricanes or wildfires.
• Data Backup and Recovery: Protect your business’s critical information by regularly backing up data and storing it in a secure location.

6. Review Your Coverage with a Texas Insurance Agent

Insurance policies can be complex, and it’s important to understand exactly what your coverage includes. At Malone Agency, we’re here to help Texas businesses navigate their options and ensure they’re protected against the state’s unique weather risks.

Schedule a policy review with one of our Texas-based agents to:

• Identify any coverage gaps specific to your region.
• Explore additional coverage options, like flood or wildfire insurance.
• Ensure your policy limits align with your business’s current needs.

Stay Protected, Stay Prepared

Summer storms are unpredictable, but your business’s protection shouldn’t be. By taking proactive steps and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage, you can minimize the impact of Texas storms on your operations.

At Malone Agency, we specialize in helping Texas businesses safeguard their futures. Whether you’re in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or a small town in between, we’ve got you covered. If you have questions about your commercial insurance or want to explore additional coverage options, give us a call.

Let’s work together to keep your Texas business protected—no matter what the weather brings.