Ellard Insurance

07/17/2026

[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-com-impact-7-15-2026" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://communityimpact.com/conroe-montgomery/government/conroe-backs-higher-groundwater-pumping-proposal-delays-300k-candy-cane-park-agreement/?beehiiv_id=[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-com-impact-7-15-2026

The resolution does not change groundwater pumping limits on its own. Instead, it signals Conroe’s support as Groundwater Management Area 14 considers adopting the proposed conditions, according to documents.

07/14/2026

✅ Successful Placement | Ellard Commercial Insurance
We recently completed a placement for a technology / digital services firm, building a program designed to support both operations and client-facing risk.
Industry: Technology / Digital Services
Coverage Placed:
• Commercial General Liability
• Property / Business Personal Property
• Coverage structured to meet client contracts and support daily operations
Why It Matters:
Service-based and tech companies face exposure from client work, contracts, and operational risk. This placement provides a practical, well-structured foundation so the business can stay focused on growth—not coverage gaps.
📍 The Woodlands, TX
📞 Chris Wehe | 281‑827‑0990
📧 [email protected]
👉 Call to Action:
If you run a tech, marketing, or service-based business and want a quick review of your current coverage or a competitive quote, feel free to message me or reach out directly—happy to help.

07/14/2026

Finally, we get Panera's back!

Per a July 9 Hamra Enterprises release, several locations have plans to reopen across the north Houston area after going dark since August 2025.

07/13/2026

Why Event/Banquet Venues NEED Commercial Insurance (Real-World Risks Most Don’t Think About)
Running an event venue looks exciting on the surface—weddings, parties, celebrations…
But behind the scenes, the liability exposure is real—and it can get expensive fast.
Here are a few real-world claim scenarios event venues face:
👉 Slip & Fall Claim
A guest spills a drink on the dance floor. Another guest slips, breaks an ankle, and files a lawsuit.
• Medical bills + legal defense can easily reach tens of thousands
• General Liability coverage is what protects the business
👉 Alcohol-Related Incident
An intoxicated guest leaves your venue, causes a car accident, and injures someone.
• The venue can be pulled into the lawsuit under liquor liability laws
• General liability alone often does NOT cover this
👉 Inadequate Security / Fight
A fight breaks out during an event due to poor crowd control. A guest is seriously injured.
• Venues have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment
• Claims can involve negligence, security, and liability lawsuits
👉 Property Damage Claim
Decor, lighting, or equipment causes damage to your building or a vendor’s property.
• Without the right coverage, that bill comes out of pocket

✅ Here’s the reality:
Event venues have a “duty of care” to keep guests safe—and when something goes wrong, the venue is often the first place attorneys look.
That’s why a properly structured insurance program matters:
- General Liability
- Liquor Liability
- Property Coverage
-Optional coverages depending on operations
If you own or operate an event venue, don’t wait until something happens to find out what your policy does (or doesn’t) cover.
I’m always happy to help you understand your options—no pressure.
📞 Chris Wehe
Commercial Insurance Advisor – Ellard Insurance
📱 281-827-0990
📧 [email protected]

07/13/2026

If a flood hit your business tomorrow, would insurance actually pay for it—or would you be writing that check yourself?
A recent Insurance Journal article says the U.S. flood insurance gap is big and it’s not getting better. Flood Insurance Gap Will Squeeze Local Governments and Homeowners, Moody’s Says notes that 470,000 NFIP policies were lost between 2018 and early 2026, and 5.6 million policies have left the program since 2009. [insurancejournal.com]
And the financial exposure is massive. Another Insurance Journal report says a 1-in-100-year flood could leave more than $375 billion in uninsured losses, and Moody’s says the national flood protection gap is now 65%. It also notes that counties in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina face more than $5 billion in potential uninsured losses in that type of event. https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/06/19/874457.htm
For business owners, this is not just a homeowner problem. The NFIP’s business flood guidance says retail, office, and multi-unit residential properties were projected to lose more than $13.5 billion from flood damage in 2022, with businesses expected to be closed a combined 3.1 million days due to flooding. It also says about 25% of businesses never reopen after disasters.
The mistake I still see too often is assuming a standard commercial policy covers flood when it usually does not. The NFIP says most commercial insurance policies don’t protect against flood damage. It also explains that commercial flood coverage can provide up to $500,000 for the building and up to $500,000 for contents like inventory, equipment, and furniture.
That’s why commercial flood insurance matters. It helps reduce uninsured exposure by putting dedicated flood coverage around the parts of your business that are hardest—and most expensive—to replace when water gets in. “Once water touches the ground and enters your business, it’s a flood, and only flood insurance will pay for the damage.”
👉 If you own, lease, or manage commercial property and you’re not 100% sure what your policy would do after a flood, don’t guess.
Send me a message, call me, or email me, and I’ll help you review it before the next storm forces the question.
Chris Wehe
Commercial Lines Consultant | Ellard Insurance
📱 281-827-0990
📧 [email protected]

07/08/2026

✅ Successful Placement | Ellard Commercial Insurance
Some work goes beyond business—it’s about supporting a mission that truly makes an impact.
Recently, we had the opportunity to help a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting active-duty military and veterans secure the insurance protection they need to continue their work with confidence.
Industry: Nonprofit / Veteran Support
Coverage Placed:
• Business Owners Policy (Property + General Liability)
• Coverage designed to protect operations, facility, and donated contents.
The Bigger Picture:
Organizations like this rely on consistency, trust, and the ability to focus on their mission—not worry about unexpected risks. This placement ensures they have a solid foundation of protection so they can keep serving those who serve our country.
Helping businesses grow is always rewarding—but helping a mission-driven organization continue its impact is something special.
📍 The Woodlands, TX
📞 Chris Wehe | 281‑827‑0990
📧 [email protected]
👉 Call to Action:
If you’re part of a nonprofit or mission-driven organization and want a quick review of your coverage, feel free to message me or reach out directly. I’m always happy to help.

07/07/2026

The intersection of energy and real estate continues to drive growth across Texas.
Join the Texas Tech Rawls College of Business Brownlee Center for Real Estate on Wednesday, July 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at King Ranch Texas Kitchen, 1605 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056. David Saindon, CFO and Partner at Caliche Development Partners, shares insights on energy infrastructure investment, market trends, and the future of energy-related development.
A fantastic opportunity to learn from an industry leader and connect with professionals from across the real estate and energy sectors.
The Brownlee Center for Real Estate invites you to join fellow real estate and energy
Register today and reserve your seat before the event reaches capacity: https://secure.touchnet.net/C20210_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2450&SINGLESTORE=true

07/06/2026

When a serious workplace accident occurs, having workers' compensation insurance can make all the difference—not only for injured employees and their families, but also for the businesses they work for. A recent Texas appeals court decision highlights an often-overlooked benefit of workers' compensation coverage: the insurance carrier's ability to step in, defend the claim, and ensure that benefits are paid only when a loss falls within the scope of the law. In this case, the carrier successfully defended the policyholder against a substantial death benefit claim after the court determined the employee was commuting home and was not acting within the course and scope of employment at the time of the accident. https://www.businessinsurance.com/company-vehicle-didnt-make-fatal-commute-compensable-texas-appeals/
This case serves as an important reminder that workers' compensation is about more than paying claims—it also provides legal expertise, claims administration, and a strong defense against questionable or non-compensable claims. Without the protection of workers' compensation insurance, employers may face significant legal expenses, uncertainty, and potential financial exposure.
In Texas, employers that choose not to carry workers' compensation insurance (known as non-subscribers) may lose important legal protections and could face direct lawsuits from injured employees or their families. While the court ultimately determined this was not a compensable workers' compensation claim, the carrier provided the legal defense and successfully litigated the coverage dispute on behalf of the policyholder.
For employers in Texas that don't maintain workers' compensation coverage, potential consequences could include the following:
- Defending the claim at the company's own expense.
- Paying attorneys' fees and litigation costs directly.
- Facing potential wrongful death or negligence allegations.
- Exposure to significant settlements or judgments if liability were established.
Diverting management time and resources away from running the business to defend the claim.

The takeaway for business owners is that workers' compensation insurance does more than provide benefits when an employee is injured. It can also provide valuable claims expertise, legal resources, and protection from potentially costly disputes when a serious accident occurs.
When was the last time you reviewed your workers' compensation coverage? A policy review can help ensure your classifications, payroll reporting, limits, and overall program are aligned with your current operations—before a claim happens.
If you'd like a second opinion on your workers' compensation program or want to explore ways to better protect your business, let's connect.
Chris Wehe
Commercial Lines Consultant | Ellard Insurance
📞 281-827-0990
📧 [email protected]
Protecting your employees is important. Protecting your business from unexpected financial and legal exposure is equally critical. A workers' compensation review today may help prevent costly surprises tomorrow.

A Texas appeals court on Thursday ruled that Old Republic Insurance Co. does not have to pay workers compensation death benefits to the family of an Energy Transfer LP technician who was killed while…

07/06/2026

https://communityimpact.com/the-woodlands/business/new-arcade-hobby-store-and-facial-studio-5-businesses-open-or-coming-soon-in-the-woodlands-area/

Several new businesses offering services, merchandise or activities opened in June or announced an upcoming opening in The Woodlands area.

07/06/2026

✅ Successful Placement | Ellard Commercial Insurance
Excited to share a recent placement for a retail clothing boutique, where the focus was building a cost‑effective program that meets lease requirements while protecting day‑to‑day operations.
Industry: Retail / Clothing Boutique
Coverage Placed:
• Business Owners Policy (BOP) — property + general liability
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance
• $1M / $2M liability limits + $30,000 contents coverage
Highlights:
• Total annual premium under $1000 with multi-policy discounts
• Business income, equipment breakdown & hired/non-owned auto included
• Coverage structured to satisfy landlord requirements and protect inventory + operations

📍 HOUSTON, TX
📞 Chris Wehe | 281‑827‑0990
📧 [email protected]
👉 If you own a retail store or boutique and want a quick coverage review or a competitive quote, feel free to message me or reach out directly—happy to help.