"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

How Surveys Support Commercial Property Insurance in Texas

Insurance carriers rely heavily on accurate property information, and for commercial buildings in Texas, that information almost always starts with a land survey. Whether you’re insuring a retail center, office building, industrial site, or multifamily development, a survey provides the verified data underwriters need to calculate risk correctly.

Here’s how surveys play a major role in commercial property insurance.

1. Elevation Certificates for Flood Insurance

If a property falls within a FEMA flood zone, elevation data is mandatory.
An elevation certificate helps insurers determine:

• Flood risk level

• Premium costs

• Base flood elevation (BFE)

• Whether mitigation improvements are needed

Without accurate elevation data, commercial owners often pay unnecessarily high insurance premiums.

2. Verifying Building Footprints and Site Layout

Insurers use survey data to confirm:

• Total square footage

• Building footprint locations

• Distances to roadways

• Fire lane accessibility

• Setbacks and safety buffers

This data helps ensure the building qualifies for the correct insurance classification.

3. Confirming Access for Emergency Vehicles

Fire access, hydrant placement, and clear drive lanes are essential for underwriting. A survey shows whether:

• Fire trucks can reach all building sides

• Emergency exits have safe access

• Parking lots meet fire code angles

If corrections are needed, the survey identifies them early.

4. Documenting Improvements for Coverage Accuracy

Commercial policies require precise improvement data such as:

• Signage

• Retaining walls

• Fences

• Loading docks

• Parking structures

Surveys act as the official record, ensuring all improvements are properly insured.

5. Supporting Claims After Damage Occurs

After storms, flooding, or structural damage, surveys help:

• Verify pre-loss conditions

• Document property changes

• Support claims with measurable evidence

Accurate survey data protects owners from disputes.

Final Thoughts

Surveys do more than support real estate deals—they strengthen commercial insurance coverage and reduce financial risk. South Texas Surveying provides elevation certificates, ALTA surveys, and boundary data that help Texas property owners secure the protection they need.