BIG SPRING, Texas — The weather in West Texas can be very unpredictable. Some days it can be nice and sunny, other days it can be windy with golf ball sized hail.
That's why West Texans have extra options when it comes to their insurance policies to better protect their things from severe weather.
Home and auto insurance are normally what gets covered when it comes to severe weather.
For home insurance, one of two options are available.
“One of them is called ACV - actual cash value - policies, and replacement costs policies on homes," said Eric Escamilla, a Farmer's Insurance agent/owner. "It's exactly what it sounds like. On an actual cash value policy, you get what the actual cash value is for whatever was damaged and the replacement cost will give you the money that it costs to replace that item.”
Car insurance, on the other hand, is much simpler, but prices can vary from company to company.
“The coverage that covers hail and when it storms is actually called comprehensive. With a comprehensive policy, the comprehensive coverage on a vehicle is simple, you just use your deductible, the typical deductible around here is $500 or $1000," Escamilla said. "The one thing to look out for is the value to the company you're doing insurance with. Not all insurance are the same and that's the reason there's a price difference between all companies.”
In a hypothetical situation, if a person's car or home was a victim of those gusting West Texas winds, having an insurance policy can help save a few bucks.
For those without insurance when an accident happens, the bills might be a little steeper.
“When that situation [happens], it's going to be a nightmare for you at the moment," Escamilla said. "Currently, all prices on parts are up and that's the reason you see insurance prices being so high. Because of that, any part that used to cost $20 now costs $100. What took $50 to repair is now $500.”
Normally, home insurance comes with a severe weather policy, but car insurance will need the extra incentive added on.
While many people out there feel like they don’t want insurance or can’t afford insurance, it’s better to have it than to not have it.
“The truth is, insurance is one of the things that nobody likes to pay for but everybody loves to have once that happens," Escamilla said. "I would recommend for you to think about where your finances are and see if it's better for you to pay a little bit a month in order for you to be covered for severe weather. On the other hand, you can pray a lot so that in case bad weather does happen, you're covered by the blood of Jesus.”
Escamilla also recommends people interested in getting insured to get the best value available at the price they can afford, even if it doesn't include full coverage.