Weathering the Storm: Insurance Solutions for Houston’s Property Managers

Whether you manage residential properties like apartments and houses or oversee commercial buildings, the stakes are high—but the right approach can make all the difference.

Apartments and Houses: Insurance Coverage

Managing a portfolio of apartments and houses means dealing with a diverse range and quality of tenants, varying property conditions, and a constant need for maintenance. Coupled with Houston’s severe weather risks, these challenges can make securing reliable insurance coverage even more daunting.

Demonstrating that your properties are a low-risk investment for insurance providers becomes essential. By proactively reducing risks, you not only protect your properties but also position yourself as a more appealing candidate for comprehensive coverage.

Here are a few ways you can reduce your insurance risk as a property manager:

• Roof Repairs and Maintenance: Ensuring roofs are well-maintained and reinforced can prevent costly damage from hail and high winds.
• Flood Mitigation: Houston’s flood-prone areas make it critical to invest in solutions like proper drainage systems and raised foundations.
• Tailored Policies: Insurance plays a key role here. Coverage needs may vary widely across properties, and a one-size-fits-all policy might leave you exposed. Working with an agency that understands your risks ensures you have the proper protection.

The Commercial Building Insurance Perspective

On the other hand, commercial properties bring their own complexities. Tenants often operate businesses with specialized insurance needs, and buildings are often larger and more expensive to repair. For commercial property managers:

• Safety Upgrades: Investing in safety features like impact-resistant windows and storm shutters can make your property more insurable and reduce your premiums over time.
• Understanding Wind and Hail Deductibles: Many insurance policies in the Houston area include separate deductibles for wind and hail damage. Knowing how these apply can help you plan for unexpected costs.
• Valuation and Replacement Costs: Insurance is crucial in ensuring your coverage reflects the current replacement value of your buildings, especially with inflation driving up construction costs.

Navigating the High-Cost Insurance Market

With premiums at record highs, finding affordable and comprehensive coverage might seem impossible. However, there are strategies to help:

1. Work with an Experienced, Local Agency: Insurance agencies experienced in Houston’s unique insurance landscape can help you navigate the challenges and find policies tailored to your needs.
2. Bundle Policies: Managing multiple properties might make you eligible for multi-policy discounts or specialized packages.
3. Proactive Risk Management: Demonstrating that your properties are well-maintained and proactively safeguarded against weather risks can make you more attractive to insurers.

Feel Confident in Your Coverage

At Leavitt Group Texas Select, we focus on helping property managers like you weather the storm—literally and figuratively. Our experience in Houston’s high-risk insurance market means we’re well-equipped to find coverage options that fit your unique portfolio. We’ll handle the insurance so you can focus on what matters most: managing your properties and supporting your tenants.