Does House Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

Homeowner’s insurance serves as a financial safeguard for one of an individual’s most significant investments: their home. This type of insurance generally provides coverage for damages to the structure itself and personal belongings within it, protecting against a range of unforeseen events. A common concern for many homeowners revolves around the potential for damage caused by severe weather. Understanding how these policies respond to storm-related incidents is important for ensuring adequate protection.

Standard Homeowner Coverage for Storm Damage

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy provides coverage for various types of storm damage, protecting the dwelling and personal property from specific perils, including wind and hail, which can cause damage ranging from missing roof shingles and torn siding to broken windows. For example, if high winds cause a tree to fall and damage your home, the policy covers the structural damage. Lightning strikes are another common storm-related peril covered by homeowner’s insurance, extending to damage caused directly by lightning, such as fires, and power surges that can ruin electrical systems or appliances. Damage from the weight of ice, snow, or sleet is also included. Water damage directly resulting from a covered storm peril, such as rain entering through a wind-damaged roof or window, is also covered.

Common Exclusions and Specialized Policies

While standard homeowner’s policies offer broad protection against many storm-related perils, certain types of damage are excluded and require separate or specialized policies.

Flood Damage

Flood damage, regardless of its source (e.g., heavy rain, overflowing bodies of water, or storm surge), is excluded from standard homeowner’s insurance. To obtain coverage, homeowners need a separate flood insurance policy, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. NFIP policies cover home structure up to $250,000 and personal possessions up to $100,000, but personal property is covered at actual cash value.

Earthquake Damage

Earthquake damage is another exclusion from standard homeowner’s policies. Homeowners in seismically active areas need a separate earthquake insurance policy or an endorsement to their existing policy. This specialized coverage extends to the dwelling, personal property, and additional living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable due to an earthquake. These policies come with higher deductibles, ranging from 5% to 15% of the policy limit.

Other Water and Mold Damage

Certain water damage types, like sewer backups or sump pump overflows, are also excluded from standard policies. Homeowners can add an endorsement for water backup coverage to address these risks. Mold damage has limitations; it is covered only if it results from a sudden, accidental covered peril, like a burst pipe. Mold stemming from neglect, long-term leaks, or floodwaters is not covered.

Preparing for a Storm Damage Claim

After storm damage, prioritize safety and document everything before initiating a claim. Wait until it’s safe to enter, checking for hazards like downed power lines or unstable structures, then thoroughly photograph and video all affected areas, inside and out. It is also advisable to create a written inventory of damaged personal property, including descriptions, estimated values, and proof of purchase if possible. Homeowners should make temporary repairs, such as tarping a roof or boarding windows, to prevent further damage, and keep all receipts for materials and services. Before contacting your insurer, homeowners should review their policy to understand coverage limits, deductibles, and claim requirements, ensuring they can provide accurate information.

Submitting Your Storm Damage Claim

Once preparatory steps are complete, promptly contact your insurance company via phone, online portals, or mobile applications. Provide your policy number, date of loss, and a brief description of the damage; the insurer will assign a claim number and an adjuster. The adjuster will investigate, verify coverage, and estimate repair costs; be present during their visit and provide all collected documentation, including photos, videos, inventory lists, and temporary repair receipts. After assessment, the company determines coverage and offers a settlement, often involving multiple payments: an initial depreciated value payment followed by additional funds upon repair completion. If a mortgage exists, the lender may be included on major repair checks, requiring their signature. It is also important to communicate regularly with the insurer and adjuster, and obtain multiple repair estimates for structural damage from reputable contractors.