Disclaimer: Data Accuracy and Sources
The data in the Covertree Resources section is from publicly available sources last updated in December 2022. We provide source links for verification. However, we can’t guarantee accuracy. Rely on this data at your own discretion. For specific advice, consult professionals.
Welcome to Houston, Texas -a tapestry of history, culture, and innovation! Located in the southeastern quadrant of Texas, the sprawling metropolis of Houston stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring spirit, innovation, and undying love for community. The city’s skyline, punctuated with gleaming skyscrapers, hints at the energy and ambition that courses through its streets. Yet, beneath the modern façade lies a rich tapestry of history and culture, waiting to be explored.
Established in 1836 by the Allen brothers and named after General Sam Houston, the city’s beginnings are deeply rooted in the fight for Texan independence. Today, it stands as the fourth-largest city in the U.S., but its rapid growth has not come at the expense of its history or unique character.
One of Houston’s most remarkable claims to fame is its role in space exploration. “Houston” was, after all, the first word spoken from the moon. The Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston serve as both a tribute to the nation’s astronautical achievements and a beacon for future explorers.
But the city’s wonders don’t stop at the stars. Houston is home to a thriving arts scene, boasting theaters that host Broadway hits and galleries showcasing local and global masterpieces. The Museum District alone houses 19 museums, each resonating with its own unique stories and treasures.
While Houston’s legacy in space exploration often takes center stage, the city’s on-the-ground offerings are as vast and varied as the Texan landscape itself. From the tranquility of its green spaces to the hustle of its shopping districts, there’s no shortage of adventures to embark on.
Be sure to visit:
Theater District: Houston is one of the few U.S. cities with permanent professional resident companies in all major performing arts disciplines. The Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre, and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts are just a few venues where you can enjoy world-class performances.
Menil Collection: A free-entry museum that houses an impressive collection of 20th-century art, it’s a serene enclave in the heart of the city, complete with park-like surroundings.
Buffalo Bayou Park: This urban green space offers walking and biking trails, paddlecraft rentals, and beautiful skyline views. The underground cistern here, once a city reservoir, now hosts art installations.
Discovery Green: A vibrant 12-acre park in the heart of downtown, it offers a range of recreational activities, events, and public art pieces.
The Galleria: Texas’ largest shopping center, it’s a mecca for retail therapy enthusiasts, boasting over 400 stores and even an ice rink!
GreenStreet: A dynamic shopping and dining destination, it also offers entertainment venues, including House of Blues. The Historic Heights: A neighborhood that offers a journey back in time with its well-preserved Victorian architecture and vintage stores. Don’t miss the Heights Mercantile, an urban market district.
San Jacinto Monument: Commemorating the site of Texas’ battle for independence, this monument offers panoramic views of the city and the Ship Channel.
Downtown Aquarium: A combination of an aquarium and amusement park, it’s an ideal family destination with touch pools, a white tiger exhibit, and a Ferris wheel.
Houston Museum of Natural Science: From the wonders of space to the mysteries of ancient Egypt, this museum offers interactive exhibits sure to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages.
Did you know that Houston has more than 10,000 restaurants representing over 70 countries and American regions? Its culinary prowess is unmatched, making it a food lover’s paradise. From succulent barbecue joints to gourmet dining experiences, there’s a plate for every palate.
Nature enthusiasts aren’t left out either. The city boasts the Houston Zoo, one of the most visited zoos in the nation, and the expansive Hermann Park. The bayous that crisscross the city offer picturesque walking trails and opportunities to see urban wildlife.
Festivals, sports, shopping, music – Houston pulsates with diverse experiences. The city’s rich tapestry is woven from threads of many cultures, a melting pot of languages, traditions, and dreams. It’s a city that welcomes all, from cowboys to astronauts, artists to entrepreneurs, making it a mosaic of memories and moments.
So, whether you’re drawn to the echoes of history, the allure of space, the allure of art, or the simple joy of a shared meal, Houston offers an embrace that feels like home.
Mobile home insurance is essential for safeguarding your most valuable asset. Prices in Texas typically range from $250 to $1,300 annually, influenced by various factors. Deciding between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage will also impact both premiums and compensation amounts in case of a claim.
* e.g. A five-year-old home bought for $50,000 but now worth $35,000 will be compensated at $35,000.
** Typically has higher premiums but offers more compensation during a claim.
Remember, while insurance might seem optional, it provides invaluable peace of mind against potential financial setbacks.
The apt insurance policy largely hinges on your home type, repair or rebuilding costs, and the worth of your belongings. It’s often a smart move to opt for the most robust protection within your budget. This is especially true if you haven’t set aside a significant emergency fund. Though a comprehensive policy with a lower deductible might require higher premiums, it ensures quick recovery after a substantial loss.
As your savings grow, you might consider increasing your deductible to decrease your premium. But here’s a pro tip: sometimes, a $1,000 deductible isn’t much pricier than a $5,000 one. In such instances, the minimal extra expense can prove invaluable in the event of a large claim.
Type of Homes: Mobile or manufactured homes (trailers, single/double-wide mobile homes, RVs, modular homes, etc.).
Personal property damage that doesn't fit the named perils. Exclusions include:
The HO-3 policy is the predominant homeowners insurance in Texas. It offers open-peril coverage for homes and related structures, covering all damages unless specifically excluded. Exclusions typically include:
Even if you’ve chosen the HO-7 or another base form for your policy, you might still want to contemplate additional coverage for specific scenarios. Here are some prevalent options:
Increasing Temperatures: The Houston region has witnessed a notable increase in average temperatures in the last decade. There's been a rise of between 0.6 to 1.0 degrees Fahrenheit and a two-inch increase in annual rainfall from previous 30-year averages.
Extreme Heat Trends: The past decade has seen a dramatic upsurge in days with temperatures exceeding 95°F. Montgomery County, for instance, experienced over 500 such days, marking a significant increase from the previous decade.
Urban Heat Islands: Certain areas, especially urban zones with dense infrastructure, tend to trap more heat, making them hotter than surrounding regions. Known as "heat islands," these zones exacerbate the effects of rising temperatures. Houston ranks fourth nationwide in terms of urban heat island intensity. Significantly, the neighborhoods most affected by high nighttime temperatures (which have the greatest health impacts) are often low-income communities and communities of color.
Understanding Climate Change: Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions have led to a phenomenon known as climate change, resulting in rising global temperatures. This intensifies various weather events and impacts such as storms, heatwaves, and heavy precipitation.
Effects on Precipitation: Since 1980, 12 rain events not associated with hurricanes or tropical storms have been declared disasters by FEMA. Climate change amplifies the intensity of these rainstorms, as a warmer atmosphere can hold and then release more water vapor.
Mitigation Measures: With the increased likelihood of intense rainstorms and flooding, local authorities are likely to look into building reservoirs and retention ponds as potential flood mitigation measures. Mobile homeowners need to be aware of these initiatives and their implications.
History & Projections: Over the past 41 years, the Houston region has experienced 26 federally declared disasters, with a significant portion of these being related to flooding. By 2050, over 350,000 properties are expected to face a "substantial" risk of flooding.
Flood Zones: Current FEMA maps identify properties based on flood risks: 1% annual chance of flooding (100-year flood) and 0.2% annual chance (500-year flood). However, real-life incidents have shown that flooding often surpasses these designated "high-risk" zones. In fact, more than 322,000 residential properties are situated in areas prone to flooding.
Communities at Risk: Research has indicated that communities predominantly comprising low-income and non-white residents are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Discriminatory housing policies in the past have led these groups to reside on low-lying lands with inadequate flood mitigation measures.
Given the diverse and intensifying weather risks in Houston, mobile homeowners should prioritize comprehensive insurance coverage. This coverage should encompass protection against flood damages (even if located outside traditional high-risk flood zones), heat-related damages, and potential impacts from intensified rainstorms and related mitigation measures.
What it is: Protection against the financial fallout of identity theft, often covering expenses like legal fees or lost wages.
Why it's needed: With the rise in digital transactions and online activities, identity theft is a growing concern.
What it is: Protects against personal property loss for military members when deployed.
Why it's needed: Offers peace of mind to those serving their country, ensuring their property is safe.
What it is: Deductible decreases for each claim-free year.
Why it's needed: Rewards homeowners for not filing claims and provides financial benefits over time.
What it is: Boosts the limits of dwelling coverage, ensuring homes are rebuilt using similar materials.
Why it's needed: Protects against escalating building costs, ensuring homes are fully restored.
What it is: Increases the coverage amount for specific, valuable personal property items.
Why it's needed: Standard policies might not fully cover high-value items. This customization ensures adequate coverage.
What it is: Protection against damages from weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, and more.
Why it's needed: Mobile homes can be especially vulnerable to severe weather events. This coverage offers peace of mind in volatile climates.
Texas residents who are struggling with home-related expenses have two vital assistance programs available: the Texas Homeowner Assistance Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) following Hurricane Harvey.
Purpose: Support homeowners impacted by Hurricane Harvey to repair, rebuild, and enhance their homes.
Services Offered: Financial support for affected homeowners.
Purpose: Support homeowners impacted by Hurricane Harvey to repair, rebuild, and enhance their homes.
Residents are encouraged to assess their eligibility and take advantage of these programs to secure and improve their homes.
The Texas Coastal Insurance Pool (TCIP), formerly known as the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), is a vital insurance entity designed to protect homeowners in the Texas coastal regions. Established in the face of limited private insurance options, the TCIP provides wind and hail coverage to properties located in certain parts of Texas’s seacoast territory.
Inland of the Intracoastal Canal $2.50 per $100 coverage 42 Effective October 1, 2008 Seaward of the Intracoastal Canal $5.00 per $100 coverage
A mobile home located in a designated catastrophe area that meets the following criteria is eligible to be insured under the T.W.I.A. Dwelling Policy with Form No. TWIA-411, Conversion to TWIA Manufactured Home Policy attached to the policy.
The maximum limit of liability for a mobile home, including any site-built additions attached to the home, and household goods is $84,000.
The following policy form is to be used: T.W.I.A. Dwelling Policy with Form No. TWIA-411, Conversion to TWIA Manufactured Home Policy attached to the policy
Adding policy options to a basic insurance plan is a common practice in the mobile home insurance industry. While the events covered in mobile home policies are similar across all states, additional coverage options, known as add-ons, endorsements, and riders, may vary depending on your location and insurance provider. Each of these options comes at an additional cost that can be customized according to your needs.
Adding any rider will increase your premiums, influenced by location, risk profile, chosen coverage, and deductible. Riders can be added during initial policy purchase, at renewal, or anytime during the policy period. Some carriers might not offer all endorsements, so shopping around might be necessary.
It's essential to compare quotes from various insurance providers and work with local agencies that understand Houston's specific risks. You also need to be vocal about being able to customize your policy to cover specific needs like monsoon or dust storm damages. Always remember to ask about any available discounts that you may be eligible for!
Extended Coverage for Personal Belongings:
Credit Card and Check Forgery Coverage:
