5 Common Home Insurance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Owning a home in Frisco, Texas is a major accomplishment — and protecting that investment is just as important as finding the right home in the first place. With North Texas weather patterns, rapid development, and rising property values, having the right home insurance coverage can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t discover gaps or mistakes in their insurance policies until it’s too late. From being underinsured to misunderstanding your deductible, small oversights can lead to big out-of-pocket expenses after a claim.

At Roger Welch Insurance Agency, we help Frisco homeowners understand their policies and protect their homes with confidence. Here are five common home insurance mistakes we see — and how you can avoid them.

1. Underinsuring Your Home

A common mistake among homeowners in Frisco is basing insurance coverage on market value instead of replacement cost. These two numbers can be very different — and confusing them could leave you short after a major loss.

Your replacement cost represents what it would actually cost to rebuild your home today — materials, labor, and current construction prices included. With the cost of building materials and skilled labor steadily increasing in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, underinsuring your home is one of the most expensive errors you can make.

How to Avoid It:

Ask your agent to perform a replacement cost analysis and review it annually. If you’ve remodeled your kitchen, added square footage, or replaced your roof, your policy may need to be updated. Keeping your dwelling limit current ensures you can rebuild completely after a covered loss.

2. Overlooking Your Deductible Details

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. While a higher deductible can lower your premium, it’s important to be realistic about what you can afford if you ever need to file a claim.

In Texas, homeowners also have separate wind and hail deductibles — a crucial factor in a region known for severe spring storms and hail damage. Many Frisco homeowners are surprised to learn how high their percentage-based hail deductible really is when a claim arises.

How to Avoid It:

Review both your all-peril and wind/hail deductibles with your agent. Make sure you understand exactly how much you’d be responsible for paying in the event of roof or storm damage. Finding the right balance between a manageable deductible and an affordable premium is key.

3. Assuming Flood Coverage Is Included

One of the most widespread misconceptions among Frisco homeowners is thinking their home insurance covers flood damage — it doesn’t. Standard homeowners insurance policies exclude flooding from heavy rain, rising water, or drainage issues.

Even though much of Frisco isn’t in a “high-risk” flood zone, flash floods and drainage backups can still cause thousands in damage. With new construction and rapid growth, water runoff issues have become increasingly common in the area.

How to Avoid It:

Ask your local agent about adding a flood insurance policy — either through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. These policies are surprisingly affordable for most Frisco neighborhoods and can protect your home and belongings from storm-related water damage.

Even a few inches of water in your home can cause tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. Don’t wait for a flood warning to find out you’re not covered.

4. Not Updating Your Policy After Renovations or Major Purchases

If you’ve recently renovated your home — maybe upgraded your kitchen, replaced flooring, or added an outdoor patio — it’s time to review your insurance. Many homeowners forget to update their policies after completing home improvements, leaving new additions and upgrades underinsured.

The same goes for valuable personal property. If you’ve purchased expensive electronics, jewelry, or artwork, you may exceed your personal property limits without realizing it.

How to Avoid It:

  • Notify your insurance agent anytime you remodel, add a structure, or make significant home upgrades.
  • Consider scheduled personal property coverage for valuable items like jewelry, collectibles, and fine art.
  • Reassess your policy limits annually to ensure your coverage grows with your home’s value.

Keeping your policy updated ensures your improvements and valuables are fully protected — not just partially covered.

5. Choosing the Wrong Insurance Provider

Another costly mistake? Buying coverage from a company that doesn’t understand your local risks.

Many homeowners buy insurance online or through national carriers that treat policies like one-size-fits-all. But Fort Worth and Frisco face specific risks — hail, tornadoes, foundation shifts, and rising rebuild costs — that generic policies might overlook.

Working with a local independent insurance agency in Frisco gives you access to multiple top-rated carriers and personalized guidance from agents who live and work where you do. Independent agents aren’t tied to one company — they shop around on your behalf to find the right mix of coverage and price.

How to Avoid It:

Partner with an experienced independent insurance agency in Frisco, TX that takes time to understand your home, budget, and long-term needs. You’ll get a tailored policy and an advocate who’s there when you need them — especially at claim time.

Bonus Tip: Review Your Policy Every Year

Your home, neighborhood, and local conditions all change over time. Reviewing your policy once a year ensures it continues to fit your needs — and keeps you from overpaying for outdated coverage.

An annual policy review also gives you a chance to:

  • Adjust your coverage limits for inflation or improvements
  • Update personal property lists
  • Confirm discounts (like multi-policy bundles or alarm systems)
  • Discuss new risks like short-term rentals or home offices

A quick annual conversation with your Frisco insurance agent can help you avoid coverage gaps and keep your protection current.

Protect Your Frisco Home with Confidence

Your home isn’t just your biggest financial asset — it’s where your life happens. Avoiding these five common home insurance mistakes can save you time, money, and stress when life doesn’t go as planned.

At Roger Welch Insurance Agency, we specialize in helping homeowners throughout Frisco, Little Elm, Prosper, and McKinney find the right balance between protection and affordability. As an independent agency, we compare policies from multiple top carriers to find coverage that fits your home and your budget.

Whether you’re buying your first home or reviewing your current policy, our team can help make sure your coverage keeps up with your life.


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