Every year storms cause significant damage to homes across the country. One of the most common questions homeowners have is does insurance cover storm damage. While this is a complicated topic, most homeowners insurance will cover storm damage that is sudden and accidental in nature. We help answer whether storm damage is covered by insurance. Plus, we explain what types of storm damage are covered by your insurance and which are not.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?
Unfortunately, whether a standard homeowners insurance policy covers storm damage depends on the cause of the damage and other factors. While it may seem like a straightforward question, this is a complicated topic.
The best way to protect yourself financially from storm damage is to review your homeowners insurance coverage at least once a year. Take specific note of your coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
- Coverage Limits– Your coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay out for a claim. Depending on your policy, you may have several coverage limits depending on the type and cause of damage.
- Deductible– Your deductible is the amount of money you will need to pay out of your own pocket for a covered claim. After you pay your deductible, your insurance company will cover claims up to your coverage limits.
- Exclusions– Types of claims not covered by your policy are exclusions, and we outline the most common below. Your insurance company may offer separate policies that cover those exclusions.
Additionally, make sure you understand the type of coverage included in your homeowners policy.
- Dwelling Coverage– Dwelling coverage typically covers only damage to the structure of your home. This would only include exterior damage, such as your roof or siding, not secondary damage to areas or items inside your home.
- Personal Property Coverage– Personal property coverage will usually include structural damage, as well as damages inside your home as a result of external damages. An example of this is water damage to ceilings, walls, or floors due to roof damage.
If you have questions about your policy, contact your insurance agent for a detailed explanation of your coverage.
What Types of Storm Damage Are Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Water, wind, and lightning damage are usually covered in a standard home insurance policy.
- Water Damage – While there are exceptions, water damage is covered as long as it is caused by falling rain. Leaky roofs or water coming through siding or walls are the main causes of water damage from a storm. In the winter, ice dams can damage roofs and allow water in as snow and ice thaw.
- Wind Damage – Wind damage from serve storms is also covered by insurance in most cases. Typically, wind damage includes damaged or missing shingles or siding, but it may even damage your windows or doors. Most insurance policies cover damage caused by hail or falling trees related to high winds too.
- Hail Damage – Damage from hail strikes is usually covered by homeowners insurance, but the coverage may vary depending on your policy. Hail can cause significant damage to roofs, siding, and windows. It can also damage cars and other outdoor items. If you have hail damage, contact your insurance company immediately to file a claim.
- Lightning Strikes – Damage from lightning strikes like burns, charring, and smoke damage to roofs and siding are normally covered. Power surges can also damage electronics, appliances, and electrical wiring. They may also cause electrical fires that lead to smoke and soot damage. In rare cases, a lightning strike can even start a fire.
However, there are always limitations on coverage. Consider adding more comprehensive coverage if you live in an area prone to heavy rains, severe storms, or frequent natural disasters.
What Types of Storm Damage Are Not Covered by Insurance?
Policies vary widely, but there are several types of storm damage that not covered by insurance. Your standard homeowners policy will not cover floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and if you were negligent at maintaining your home. While you can add additional storm policies, there is usually at least a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect.
Flood Damage – Unless you have separate flood insurance, your policy will not cover groundwater flooding. Groundwater flooding includes any time the water touched the ground first, even if it is just rain. It also includes sewage backups caused by severe rainstorms. However, separate flood insurance policies are available.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storm Damage – Standard policies do not cover storm damage from hurricanes or tropical storms due to the extreme force of those storms.
Damage From Earthquakes, Landslides, and Sinkholes – Most policies do not cover damage caused by earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes because they deal with the land beneath your home.
Damage Due to Negligence – Negligence is the most common reason your insurance company will deny your storm damage claim. This includes any time you did not make repairs, and this resulted in damage during a storm.
Talk to a local pro now. Certified Restoration Local storm damage cleanup specialists offer 24-hour service and fast, free quotes.
How Do You Repair the Damage After the Storm?
1. Make a Claim and Document the Damage
The first step in repairing the damage after the storm is to contact your insurance company. The longer you delay, the less likely they will cover your claim. Once you’ve contacted your agent, take photos and videos to document the damage.
Depending on how much damage you have, you may want to call a restoration company as well. They will inspect your home and take steps to prevent additional damage. Get receipts for emergency services and temporary repairs so you can add them to your claim.
Insurance claims may move slower than you’d like, but avoid taking further action until you have talked with your agent about your claim. While they are reviewing your case, continue to document the damage. If it gets worse, let them know immediately.
2. Get an Estimate for Repairs
The next step is to get an estimate for repairs. They will send an adjuster, but you should also get your own estimate as well. The company’s estimate is usually accurate but they can overlook things.
A restoration company will offer a free on-site estimate of the damage, so there is nothing to lose. Plus, this gives you peace of mind that all of the damage will get repaired.
3. Hire a Restoration Company
Your agent will probably recommend a few different companies to repair the damage. Although this list of preferred vendors will repair the storm damage, their main goal is to keep your agent happy. Make sure you read their reviews and ask friends or neighbors for recommendations.
Whether your agent is giving you a check or they are paying for the damages directly, you are free to hire the restoration company you are comfortable with. Once you hire a restoration company, they will explain how long it will take to complete the repairs and return your home to normal.
If you have water damage after a severe storm, let Restoration Local cleanup and repair the damage. Call 888-443-3110 now for a free in-home estimate for storm restoration services.
