Is Storm Damage Covered by Insurance?

You can take steps to protect your home from unexpected weather, but storm damage can be costly if you don’t have the right insurance in place.

As a homeowner, you should have confidence that your homeowners’ insurance is there for you, whatever comes your way. Typically, your policy will cover certain types of damage, including wind, hail, and lightning. That being said, it’s important to read your policy to learn what types of storm damage may or may not be covered.

Continue reading to learn more about insurance plans and their role in storm damage so that you won’t be caught off guard. The more prepared you are, the less a storm will take you by surprise. 

What Is Storm Damage Insurance?

If you’re a homeowner, you probably wonder about storm damage and if certain insurances cover it. There’s no one specific policy that covers storm damage alone, but most homeowners’ insurance plans have a portion that encompasses it.

Call your insurance agent to file a claim if your home becomes a casualty of a tumultuous storm. An adjuster will arrive to assess the damage to your house. After the costs are totaled, and your deductible has been reached, the insurance company will help with the outstanding balance. 

With that being said, it’s critical to become familiar with the details of your homeowner’s insurance policy.  Understanding what your insurance covers, what the deductible is, and how much is covered after the deductible is met will help with the restoration process.

What Kind of Damage Does Insurance Cover?

Each homeowner’s policy has a list of storm damage that it will and will not cover. Most insurance companies cover similar types of damage, including:

  • Lightning – When thinking about storm damage, destruction from lightning isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind, but it can be pretty devastating.

    If lightning hits your home, it can cause a fire, power surge, breaks in the structure, shattered windows, and even create cracks in the foundation.

    Luckily, most homeowners’ policies cover devastation caused by lightning. Any appliances damaged by a power surge might also be protected.
  • Wildfires – The summer months are a great time to work on your tan, but this yearly surge of heat also increases the likelihood of wildfires. Unfortunately, if you live in a location where wildfires are common, your policy might be expensive.

    If you can’t find affordable premiums or have difficulty getting proper coverage, you might need to turn to your state’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan.
  • Hail – Roof damage caused by hail is one of the most common natural devastations that can happen to your house. Your insurance provider usually covers this grievance. Your adjuster will work with a roofing contractor to assess and fix the damage at a reasonable cost.
  • Wind – Wind is another element that can damage a house. Presume that if your home’s roof or siding gets impaired by strong winds, the interior of your house may be damaged, too. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover these costs if there isn’t a wind damage exclusion on your policy.

    Like wildfires, some areas may have reduced wind damage coverage depending on where you live. It’s essential to understand your policy to know if you need to look elsewhere for additional coverage.

What Damages Are Not Covered?

Unfortunately, not all natural disasters will be covered under your insurance plan. The following storms are not typically compensated through homeowners insurance:

  • Floods – Flood damage, no matter the water source, isn’t usually covered by homeowners’ insurance. If you live in an area prone to floods, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance policies cover your home and your belongings.
  • Earthquakes – Standard home insurance policies usually don’t cover damage from earthquakes. Some insurers offer a separate policy or endorsement for earthquake coverage in certain states.
  • Tsunamis – A standard home insurance policy doesn’t cover damage from a tsunami, but this is generally covered under flood insurance. Waves produce most, if not all, of a tsunami’s destruction, so the damage is tied to that of a flood.

How To Protect Your Property From Damage

Hearing about the possible destruction that could happen to your home can make anyone nervous. Here are some preparation tips to help protect your property and ease your mind:

  • Inspect your policy – As mentioned previously, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your policy before any damage happens to your property. If your home is in a location that is prone to severe weather, make sure you have the right storm insurance coverage in place. If you are unsure about what’s covered, reach out to your insurance company for clarification.
  • Ensure the deductible is within your budget – Severe storm deductibles can be pricey. Be ready to pay more in out-of-pocket expenses for conditions where your policy’s deductible is more than you can afford. If you have options, double-check that the deductible falls within your budget.
  • Be prepared – It’s easy to think that a tragedy won’t ever happen to you. Please don’t wait to buy the proper coverage until a disaster occurs. Most insurance companies won’t offer coverage with an impending storm on its way. Be proactive and speak with your insurance agent to ensure that you have the coverage you need before it’s too late.

Western Disaster Clean Up Is Here for Any Disaster

When natural disasters strike and your home suffers storm damage, Western Disaster Clean Up is here for you! We’ve perfected the art of cleaning up after a disaster, as we’ve handled thousands of floods, fires, sewage backups, and other damages.

We’ll determine the best way to cover your clean-up and remediation costs as we work with your insurance provider. We pride ourselves on our work quality, customer service, and prompt responses.We serve countless cities in Northern Utah, including Salt Lake City, Heber, South Jordan, Lehi, Orem, Spanish Fork, Nephi, and more! Give us a call to get started today!

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