Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Homeowners insurance may help cover certain causes of storm damage, including wind, hail and lightning. However, damage caused by flood and earthquakes typically is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. It's important to read your policy to learn what types of storm damage may or may not be covered.

WHAT TYPES OF STORM DAMAGE DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER?

Homeowners insurance typically helps cover the following types of storm damage:

• Water and Ice Damage
• Lightning Strikes and Power Surges
• Wind, Hail and Fallen Trees

Water and Ice Damage

Whether it's a thunderstorm in the spring or a roof covered in ice, water can damage a home. While ice and hail damage are typically covered by homeowner’s insurance — up to the limits stated in your policy — coverage for water damage varies, depending on the cause. For example, you may find homeowners insurance helps protect you if a frozen pipe bursts in your home. Review your policy to learn what types of water damage it covers.

Lightning Strikes and Power Surges

Should lightning strike your home or other structure covered by your policy, the resulting damage, such as fire or smoke damage, is typically covered by homeowners insurance. Some policies also provide coverage for power surges and outages that are the result of a lightning strike, such as damaged electronics or appliances. As with any coverage, limits will apply. Check your policy or contact your agent to learn the types and amount of coverage it provides.

Wind, Hail and Fallen Trees

If a strong storm roars through, you may find your siding damaged by hail and shingles that the wind ripped off the roof. Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage. Coverage also usually includes damage from hail, wind-driven rain or snow that gets inside the home when a roof or wall is damaged due to wind. Most policies also offer some coverage for fallen trees that damage your home, provided the tree broke because of a storm or wind.