Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

Your homeowners insurance is designed to protect you and your home from loss. What about natural disasters? Are they covered? Let’s take a look at the six most common natural disasters in the United States and whether homeowners insurance covers the damage.

Earthquake
Many homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for losses due to earthquakes. This is why separate earthquake policies are sold for full protection and coverage. In some states, you may be required to purchase this type of coverage, and if you are unable to afford it, a government-mandated insurance policy may be made available to you at an affordable price.

Hurricane
Your policy may or may not cover losses resulting from a hurricane. Some policies may provide full coverage, while others may require a higher deductible be purchased specifically for hurricane issues. Whatever the case, flooding caused by a hurricane is usually not covered by any policy. In areas where hurricanes are more common, buyers may be required to purchase hurricane coverage (much like the earthquake requirement).

Wildfire
In most instances, any damage resulting from a wildfire is covered by your homeowners policy.

Flood
Most policies do not include coverage for any loss arising from a flood. Unless you buy a separate flood policy, you are more than likely not covered. In certain states, you cannot buy a home without purchasing flood insurance. Many plans are available for your benefit through private insurance companies and government insurance programs.

Tornado
Most policies cover losses resulting from a tornado, which is typically classified as a “windstorm.” Much like hurricane coverage, be careful to look specifically at what your policy covers in the event of a “windstorm.” As with other natural disasters, any flooding that occurs as the result of a tornado is not covered.

Hail
Hail is normally listed as a “peril” in most policies, and coverage usually includes damage from hail or wind-driven rain or snow that gets inside the home during a storm.

The bottom line: Mother Nature is unpredictable. Get educated on what your homeowners policy covers and what it does not.

To learn how BXS Insurance can help make sure you are covered in the event of a natural disaster, click here, or give us a call at (866) 239-8180. Being prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your family from a natural disaster.