You might assume your home insurance protects you from just about anything. Most Roanoke homeowners do — until a storm, backup, or theft reveals otherwise.
Every year, families across North Texas are left to pay $5,000 to $20,000 out-of-pocket for damage they thought was covered. These aren’t rare exceptions. They’re common blind spots hidden in everyday policies.
This article walks through three of the most frequent insurance gaps we uncover during policy reviews with Roanoke homeowners — and how you can close each one affordably and proactively.
1. Wind and Hail Deductibles You Can’t Afford to Use
Texas sees some of the highest hail activity in the country, and Denton County regularly experiences damaging windstorms. While your policy likely includes wind and hail coverage, the deductible is often based on a percentage of your home’s insured value — not a flat dollar amount like with fire or theft.
Damage Type vs. Deductible Comparison:
| Damage Type | Typical Deductible |
| Fire, Theft, Vandalism | $1,000 flat fee |
| Wind or Hail | 1%–2% of dwelling coverage ($4,000 on a $200K home) |
A single spring storm could leave you footing thousands in repair costs — even with “full” coverage.
How to close this gap:
Ask your insurance agent whether your wind/hail deductible is flat or percentage-based. If it’s percentage-based, see if switching to a flat deductible is possible. In many cases, the difference in premium is minimal compared to what you could save after one storm.
2. Backup of Sewer or Drain (Gross but Expensive)
Sewage or drain backups aren’t just a messy inconvenience — they’re one of the costliest types of home damage. They can happen without warning due to aging infrastructure, tree roots, heavy rainfall, or simple clogs — even in newer homes.
Most standard homeowners policies exclude this type of damage unless you specifically add coverage for it.
Typical Costs of a Sewer Backup:
- Flooring and drywall replacement
- Mold remediation and sanitation
- Temporary housing during cleanup
- Repairs to sewer connections
Estimated out-of-pocket cost: $5,000 to $15,000
How to close this gap:
Ask about adding water/sewer backup coverage to your policy. It typically costs $50 to $150 per year — a small price for peace of mind when the risk could cost 100 times more.
3. Limited Coverage for High-Value Personal Items
Homeowners often assume their belongings are fully covered — but that coverage comes with limits. Jewelry, electronics, art, and collectibles are often subject to “sub-limits” that cap how much you’ll be reimbursed, even if your total personal property coverage is high.
Examples of Sub-Limits vs. Actual Value:
| Item | Standard Limit | Typical Value |
| Jewelry | $1,500 | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Laptop + accessories | $2,000 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Collectibles | $1,000–$2,000 | $5,000 and up |
How to close this gap:
Ask your provider about scheduled personal property coverage. You can insure valuable items individually for their full value by listing them on your policy — protecting them against loss, theft, or damage.
How Neill Insurance Helps Roanoke Homeowners Catch These Gaps Early
We’ve reviewed hundreds of policies for Roanoke families and know exactly where the blind spots tend to hide. These gaps aren’t obvious unless you know where to look — and unfortunately, most people only find out after it’s too late.
At Neill Insurance, we help you:
- Review your policy line by line — no jargon, no guessing
- Understand where coverage gaps exist before claims happen
- Compare multiple carriers to find options that match your risk tolerance and budget
One conversation can save you thousands — and a lot of stress — down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I already have these protections in my current policy?
You might, but many policies exclude or limit them unless specifically added. The only way to know for sure is to request a full policy review.
Are these coverage endorsements expensive?
Usually not. Most cost under $10–$15 per month, depending on your limits and the provider.
Do newer homes in Roanoke need these endorsements?
Yes. Even new homes are vulnerable to weather damage, sewer issues, and theft. Age isn’t the issue — risk is.
Don’t Find Out the Hard Way
A hailstorm, sewer backup, or break-in shouldn’t be the moment you discover what your insurance doesn’t cover.
Now that you understand the most common (and costly) coverage gaps facing Roanoke homeowners — and how simple they are to close — it’s time to take the next step.
Neill Insurance has helped countless families in your neighborhood avoid five-figure losses by identifying and fixing gaps early. Let’s do the same for you — with zero pressure and total transparency.
Schedule your free coverage review today. We’ll show you exactly what you’re protected against — and what you’re not — so you can make informed decisions without surprises.
