A homeowners insurance policy protects your home and belongings against damage caused by theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Do you want to know what types of natural disasters are covered by home insurance? Continue reading to learn more.
Natural Disasters Generally Covered by Homeowners Insurance
A basic homeowners policy covers natural disasters, such as:
Hurricanes
- Covers your personal property, dwelling, or additional living expenses against wind damage from hurricanes
- Doesn't cover flooding-related water damage.
Tornadoes
- Covers your personal belongings and home from wind and rain damage and resulting debris
- Excludes flood damage caused by a tornado
Lightning
- Covers your personal property or home against lightning strikes, including direct strikes, ground surges, and indirect strikes (near miss)
- Reimburses for fire damages resulting from lightning strikes
Fire
- Provides liability, personal property, dwelling, and additional living expenses coverages for damage caused by accidental fires and fires from natural disasters
- Excludes coverage for intentional fires or those caused by negligence
Volcanoes
- Covers fire and ash damage, debris, lava flow, shockwaves
- Volcano-triggered earthquakes and mudslides won't be covered
Explosion
- Covers your additional living expenses, personal property, and home against damage caused by a gas leak near your home, business, or other structure
- Won't cover damages from illegal explosions
Extreme Cold
- Covers your personal property and dwelling against damages resulting from ice accumulation on your roof, frozen pipes, and liability claims involving injured visitors
- Excludes flood damage caused by snow and ice
Remember that if your pipes freeze or ice builds up on your roof due to poor maintenance, coverage may be denied.
Natural Disasters That Typically Require Additional Coverage
A basic homeowners insurance policy will not cover the following natural disasters:
- Floods
- Earthquakes
- Landslides and mudslides
- Tsunamis
However, you can buy additional endorsements to stay covered against damages and related losses resulting from these perils.
How to Stay Adequately Prepared for Natural Disasters
While natural disasters are unavoidable, staying prepared can help mitigate resulting losses and damages, especially if you live in high-risk areas.
As a first precautionary measure, learn about the most common hazards in your state here and be prepared accordingly.
Next, ensure to:
Have an Emergency Kit
During natural disasters, an emergency pack should have everything you'll need to survive for several days, including:
- Water (one gallon per person for a day)
- First-aid kit
- Dust mask
- Cell Phone and backup charger
- Personal medications
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Can opener
- Batteries
- Plastic sheet and duct tape (to make shelters)
- Wrench or pliers
- Local map
- Non-perishable food
- Personal sanitation (garbage bags, moist towels, etc.)
Devise a Disaster Plan
Creating a disaster plan will help protect you and your family when a disaster strikes.
Your disaster plan should include:
- A source for emergency alerts
- Safe locations list
- Evacuation plans
- Important contact information
- Emergency kit details (access location)
If you are looking for comprehensive home insurance coverage at an affordable rate, contact us today at Abatelli Insurance Group. We will tailor coverage for your property based on your vulnerability to natural disasters and other risk exposures, ensuring that you are adequately protected.
