What Counts as a “Flood” in Insurance Terms

Posted on September 30, 2025September 18, 2025 by admin

When most people think of a flood, they imagine water rising quickly after a storm. While this is true in casual conversation, the term "flood" has a much narrower definition in the insurance world. One that can catch Texas homeowners off guard. Your insurance representative at Shavano Insurance Agency LLC, serving San Antonio, TX, wants you to understand exactly where you stand when it comes to flood coverage.

Understanding the Insurance Definition of Flood

In insurance terms, a flood is defined as water covering at least two acres of normally dry land or affecting at least two properties, with the water originating from external sources such as heavy rain, storm surges, or overflowing rivers. This definition is important because water damage from internal sources, like a burst pipe or backed-up drain, typically falls under homeowners’ insurance, not flood insurance.

Real-World Examples

Consider a tropical storm pushing water from the Gulf into neighborhoods. This scenario qualifies as a flood under insurance terms. However, if your washing machine hose bursts and damages your flooring, it does not. Both situations can cause significant damage, but different policies cover them. Without the appropriate coverage, homeowners may face unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for damage they assumed was protected.

Why Flood Insurance Matters in Texas

Texas is no stranger to flooding, whether from hurricanes or sudden inland downpours. Standard homeowners’ insurance almost never includes flood coverage. If you live in an area prone to flash floods or rising water, obtaining a separate flood insurance policy is often essential. Even homeowners outside designated flood zones have experienced severe damage during recent storms.

It’s important to understand that while you might casually refer to water damage from an overflowing toilet or a forgotten running faucet as a "flood," these incidents are not considered floods in the insurance world. Knowing the difference can help you avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure you’re prepared when water rises where it doesn’t belong.

Contact Us

Protect your home and avoid surprises by learning more about flood insurance. Contact Shavano Insurance Agency LLC, serving San Antonio, TX, today. Our team is ready to help you understand your options and secure the coverage you need.

How Motorhome Insurance Protects You When Towing a Vehicle

Posted on August 29, 2025August 19, 2025 by admin

If you’re hitting the open road in your motorhome and plan to bring along a second vehicle, you’re not alone. Many travelers tow a car behind their motorhome for added convenience once they reach their destination. However, towing adds another layer of complexity to your insurance needs. At Shavano Insurance Agency LLC, serving San Antonio, TX, we often help RV owners understand how their motorhome insurance applies when a towed vehicle is involved.

Towing Isn’t Automatically Covered

A common misconception is that your motorhome insurance automatically covers whatever you’re towing. In reality, that’s not always the case. While some policies may offer limited coverage for a towed vehicle, it’s often only for liability. This means if your towed car causes damage to someone else’s property, you may be protected. However, damage to the car itself usually requires a separate policy or endorsement.

Accidents Can Get Complicated

Imagine you’re navigating tight roads and your towed vehicle clips a pole or another car. Without the right coverage, you might be left paying the bill. Motorhome insurance can help protect you in scenarios like this, but only if you’ve worked with your agent to ensure your policy reflects your towing setup.

Having the right motorhome insurance allows you to focus on the journey instead of worrying about potential issues. It’s about more than meeting state requirements; it’s about ensuring every part of your travel setup is protected.

Before your next adventure, make sure you’ve got the coverage you need. Reach out to Shavano Insurance Agency LLC, serving San Antonio, TX, to review your motorhome insurance and feel confident towing wherever the road takes you.

What to Do If You’re in an RV Accident Out of State

Posted on July 31, 2025July 16, 2025 by admin

Taking your RV on a cross-country adventure is one of the best ways to experience freedom and the open road. But what happens if you’re in an accident far from home? It can be a stressful situation, but knowing the proper steps to take can make a significant difference. At Shavano Insurance Agency LLC in San Antonio, TX, we understand RV life and are here to guide you through moments like these.

Focus on Safety First

After an accident, your top priority should be safety. Check if anyone is injured and call 911 immediately. Even if the incident seems minor, it’s important to have law enforcement on the scene to document what happened. If your RV is drivable, move it to a safe spot off the road to avoid further danger.

Gather Important Information

Once everyone is safe and emergency services are on the way, start collecting details by exchanging insurance and contact information with any other drivers involved. Take clear photos of the damage, road conditions, and any relevant signs or surroundings. Additionally, ask for a copy of the police report or at least the officer’s name and report number. All of this information will be helpful when filing an insurance claim.

Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Inform them that you’re out of state and provide all the information you’ve gathered. If you have RV insurance through Shavano Insurance Agency LLC, you can count on support no matter where your travels take you.

We’re Just a Call Away

An out-of-state accident doesn’t have to derail your trip. Ensure your RV insurance is prepared for the unexpected. Contact Shavano Insurance Agency LLC in San Antonio, TX today and travel with peace of mind.

Insuring Your Vintage Motorcycle – What You Need to Know

Posted on June 30, 2025June 17, 2025 by admin

Vintage Motorcycle Insurance in Texas

Whether your bike is strictly for show or you enjoy exploring the back roads of San Antonio, TX, having an insurance policy to protect your vintage wheels can make the ride even more enjoyable. If your motorcycle is more than 25 years old and classified as a vintage bike, contact our agents at Shavano Insurance Agency LLC to ensure you get the coverage you need.

Benefits of Insurance Coverage

In Texas, state law requires liability insurance to cover property damage and bodily injury, regardless of your motorcycle’s age. While this is mandatory, you may want to consider additional coverage for your vintage bike. Options include collision and comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and agreed value coverage, where you and your insurer agree on the bike’s value before issuing a policy.

When speaking with our agent, inquire about potential discounts your bike may qualify for, such as completing a safety course, maintaining a safe driving record, bundling policies, or discounts based on how and where your bike is stored.

Additionally, ask about specific requirements, such as providing proof of an inspection to validate the bike’s age and condition, documentation of modifications or restoration work, and whether the policy covers limited usage only.

Contact Us

Vintage motorcycle owners in San Antonio, TX, are just a phone call away from the knowledgeable agents at Shavano Insurance Agency LLC. We can answer your questions about coverage options, the benefits of insuring your ride, and the costs associated with keeping it protected.

Insurance Coverage Guidelines for Your New Sailboat

Posted on May 30, 2025May 22, 2025 by admin

If you’re planning to purchase a new sailboat this summer, you’ll need to determine how much boat insurance coverage you need. Boat insurance protects your watercraft from accidents, adverse weather events, and criminal activity.

Watercraft Accident

A watercraft accident could result in property damage, boat damage, and bodily harm. Liability boat coverage is designed to protect a boat owner. It covers the cost of damage that a boat owner is responsible for. An accident could occur while boating or while transporting a sailboat from one location to another. Having adequate coverage will prevent high expenses associated with being sued by another party.

Bodywork and Mechanical Repairs

You may be involved in a boating accident that isn’t your fault. Collision boat coverage provides protection for incidents not covered by another party’s insurance. If bodywork or mechanical repairs are needed, collision coverage may handle the out-of-pocket costs that a boat owner is faced with. This type of coverage also provides protection against inclement weather events. It will help pay for the repair and replacement of the sail, body, and other vital components that comprise a sailboat.

Criminal Activity

You may be concerned about a criminal act occurring when you are not present. Your sailboat is prone to theft and vandalism when it is unoccupied. Coverage that protects from criminal activity will support restoring your sailboat if necessary.

Your Sailboat Insurance Policy in San Antonio

An agent from Shavano Insurance Agency LLC will prepare your boat insurance policy for you. Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our agents who serve San Antonio, TX. After consulting with an agent concerning your sailboat, the agent will advise you on boat insurance types.

How Does Classic Car Insurance Work With Car Shows?

Posted on April 30, 2025April 19, 2025 by admin

Owning a classic car in San Antonio, TX, can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to show it off at one of your favorite car shows. Of course, car shows do come with certain risks you want to consider, and it’s essential to know how that all interacts with your classic car insurance.

Understanding Classic Car Essentials

Let’s start with an important disclaimer. Every policy is different, so always check what your policy specifically covers. Our representatives at Shavano Insurance Agency LLC are always happy to help with that.

That said, classic car coverage starts with the same basics as any other type of car insurance: liability, collision protection, and theft coverage. Even these are not necessarily included in every policy, but they cover the most common points.

This means while you take your classic car to and from a car show, you’ll have the basic coverage you already selected.

It’s at the show where things get more complicated.

Insuring a car during an event represents a different situation for most insurance companies. While you can get a policy that covers the show as well, it’s not always standard, and that’s a gap you want to be aware of.

Specific Event Coverage

If you want to be sure you have coverage for the show, look for a rider or add-on that covers events. The most common insurance gaps are those for vandalism or damage to your vehicle during an event. You might also want additional liability coverages, since events raise the chances that someone could be injured while interacting with your vehicle.

As long as you have specified event coverage, you’re in a good spot.

If you’d like to review your coverage to ensure you’re covered for events in San Antonio, TX, or anywhere else, we’re here to help. Contact Shavano Insurance Agency LLC to explore your options.

Household Property Included in Umbrella Insurance Coverage

Posted on March 28, 2025March 20, 2025 by admin

As a homeowner, your home insurance may not be enough to cover liability. If you’re sued, you’ll want to protect your assets adequately. Umbrella insurance can ensure that every part of your household property is adequately protected. Our agents at Shavano Insurance Agency LLC in San Antonio, TX can help you choose coverage that works for you.

Reasons to Get Umbrella Insurance for Household Property

While your home insurance already includes liability coverage, it may not be enough to protect all your assets in the case of a lawsuit. As a homeowner, you’ll want to ensure that all of your property, including any household property, is protected. If someone were to sue, and your home insurance gets maxed out, other assets on your property could be seized as compensation if you can’t pay.

Additional Advantages of Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance doesn’t just protect your home from liability but also protects you and your household members outside the house. If you’re on someone else’s property and damage something, then your umbrella insurance can help cover those costs, especially if the damages exceed your current home insurance plan.

Another advantage of adding additional umbrella insurance is that it can help cover the costs of medical bills for injuries that happen on your property. If someone were to get hurt on your property and treatment exceeds your current home insurance policy, then the rest of the bill can help cover the rest of the bill. It can also help with legal costs if you have to fight a lawsuit.

Protecting Your Home with Umbrella Insurance

Adding an umbrella insurance policy to your existing plan can help exceed your home insurance liability limits—that way, you know that your household assets are protected in the case of a large claim. Without umbrella insurance, you could have additional household assets seized, which otherwise would have been protected. If you’re still confused about umbrella insurance and what it can do for you, then consider contacting one of our agents at Shavano Insurance Agency LLC in San Antonio, TX, and we will be glad to help.

I don’t live by the Gulf; do I still need flood insurance?

Posted on February 28, 2025February 19, 2025 by admin

Flood insurance seems like a "no-brainer" if you live along the Texas Gulf Coast. However, San Antonio residents may wonder if they, too, need to purchase flood insurance when they live more than a hundred miles from the Gulf. While it’s unlikely that coastal waters will reach you in Hill Country, there are still plenty of good reasons to invest in flood insurance.

Reasons to Buy Flood Insurance, Even If You Don’t Live on the Coast

1. You live near a river or other body of water. The Gulf isn’t the only source of floodwaters. Spring rains can send area rivers over their banks, endangering your structure. FEMA reports that 25 percent of flood damage happens to houses in low to moderate risk areas for flooding.

2. Hurricanes can bring storms hundreds of miles inland. Just because you don’t live in Corpus Christi or Galveston doesn’t mean the weather systems and subsequent flooding can’t make their way inland. Just ask the people who live in Western North Carolina.

3. New housing developments can alter the way water drains. They can disrupt the flow of rainwater from existing patterns and cause flooding. Plus, the increased number of asphalt and concrete surfaces associated with new development can impede the natural absorption of rainwater.

Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies exclude coverage for damage caused by flooding. You must purchase separate flood insurance to protect your property and belongings from this peril. To learn more about flood insurance for your San Antonio, TX home and all of your insurance concerns, contact Shavano Insurance Agency LLC. We’ve been helping Texas Hill Country residents with their insurance needs for more than a decade.

Does Motorhome Insurance Cover the Items Stored in Your Motorhome?

Posted on January 24, 2025January 22, 2025 by admin

Exploring the open road with the comforts of home is one of the many benefits of owning a motorhome. However, as you fill your motorhome with personal belongings, you may question whether these items are covered by your motorhome insurance. At Shavano Insurance Agency LLC, we provide motorhome insurance to residents in and around San Antonio, TX. We’re here to clarify how motorhome insurance covers your possessions.

Motorhome Insurance Coverage Explained

Motorhome insurance primarily protects your vehicle, but it often extends to certain personal belongings stored inside. The extent of this coverage can vary depending on your policy. Many plans include protection for items such as clothing, electronics, camping gear, and kitchen supplies. If these belongings are stolen, damaged in an accident, or destroyed by a covered peril like fire or severe weather, your policy may help reimburse you for the loss.

Limitations and Exclusions in Coverage

While motorhome insurance generally covers personal property, it’s crucial to remember that coverage limits and exclusions apply. High-value items like jewelry, expensive electronics, or specialty equipment may not be fully covered under a standard policy. For these items, you might need additional coverage or a rider to ensure proper protection. Also, coverage may not extend to items permanently stored unless they are part of the motorhome’s use.

Securing Your Adventures

Understanding what your motorhome insurance covers is vital for peace of mind during your travels. If you’re uncertain about your current coverage or want to ensure your belongings are adequately protected, contact Shavano Insurance Agency LLC, serving communities in and around San Antonio, TX. We’ll assist you in finding the right policy, so you can hit the road with confidence.

Do All RVs Need the Same Type of RV Insurance?

Posted on December 23, 2024December 18, 2024 by admin

The RV category includes both towable trailers and self-powered RVs. The distinction between towed and powered determines certain insurance needs, but other insurance requirements depend on how much you use the RV, where you use it, and the property it contains. The team at Shavano Insurance Agency LLC serves San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding area. We are here to help you find the RV coverage that fits your needs.

Types of RVs and Their Insurance Requirements

Texas law requires motorized RVs to have auto insurance to cover accidents you cause, while towed trailers or RVs do not need auto insurance. Class A, B, and C RVs are motorized and have minimum insurance requirements covering $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. The towing vehicle covers the liability for accidents involving towed RVs, so the towing vehicle needs to be insured. Owners with towable RVs often upgrade the towing vehicle policy to handle higher liability levels.

The motorized versus towed distinction disappears when discussing collision, comprehensive, and other insurance. While not required by law, most owners insure their vehicle or trailer against damage when it is involved in an accident, stolen, vandalized, or otherwise damaged.

Other RV insurance options, such as full-time RV insurance, HOA fees, vacation liability, personal property and attachments, adjacent structures, roadside assistance, and temporary lodging assistance, apply to both motorized and towed RVs. Their value depends on your RV usage, so discuss each option with your agent.

Work with Shavano Insurance Agency LLC for Your RV Insurance Needs

Our Shavano Insurance Agency LLC team serves RV owners in and around San Antonio, TX. We can help develop a plan for your RV and other insurance needs, so call us today at (210) 762-6777 or stop by the office.