“You’ll want a policy that will pay to rebuild your home. If you have a $100,000 home, you’ll want a $100,000 policy,” Hanna said.

Because homeowners cannot purchase insurance once a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico, Hanna said it is vital to maintain communication with your insurance agent to make sure your coverage is up to date.

“You want to know your insurance information before a storm, not after,” he said.

Ask insurance agents important questions now to be prepared when a storm hits.

“Communication is key to relationship with your agent,” Hanna said. “Shop around (for an agent) to work with someone you’re confident with.”

Last year the insurance council representatives traveled with Red Cross and FEMA representatives to spread information on the importance of insurance.

“Last year we reached one million people through our radio, television and newspaper ads. This year we hope to reach one and a half million,” he said.

Homeowners who obtain their windstorm insurance coverage through the Texas Windstorm Association (TWIA) must obtain a construction inspection during their repair process following a storm. They will need a WPI-8 certificate that will verify that their repairs met current windstorm standards.

For more information, visit ICT’s website at www.insurancecouncil.org.