Many homeowners discover too late when flooding and hurricane damage have already wrecked their home that homeowners’ insurance doesn’t encompass the two. The most regular forms of damage, such as burglary and fire damage, are normally covered by ordinary homeowners’ insurance plans. However, natural hazards are frequently excluded.
When renting or purchasing a home, take into account whether the neighborhood is susceptible to natural disasters like hurricanes and river flooding. Reviewing your homeowner’s insurance coverage is a good idea so that you are aware of what is and isn’t protected.
You Need Different Covers for Flood River and Hurricane Damage
Loss from floodwaters brought on by rising water is often not covered by homeowner insurance, even those that do not rule out hurricanes. Typical homeowners’ insurance plans only cover floods brought on by plumbing issues, such as leaking pipes. They explicitly omit flood damage caused by torrential rain, flooded rivers or reservoirs, tidal surge, groundwater sharp rise, or stealth waves. If your home is in a flood zone, you need separate flood insurance coverage to protect your property. Sometimes, flood damage insurance comes in handy, even for those who don’t live in flood-prone areas.
There isn’t a specific insurance policy that covers hurricanes, but based on your location and your coverage, some hurricane losses might be protected by your homes or renters’ insurance plan. If a homeowner lives in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, such as some portions of Louisiana, or Texas, they may additionally need to complement their policy with windstorm protection.
When Is Hurricane Included?
A home insurance policy limits the compensation for the home and personal items based on the nature of the loss. Hazards are classified as protected, or you are protected with the exception of risks deliberately excluded due to the type of plan you hold. Although hurricanes themselves aren’t typically listed as a protected or exempted risk, their effects—like wind and flooding are.
Hurricanes can bring on numerous types of loss. A typical homeowners’ insurance policy covers hail, hurricanes, and wind damage. However, if a hurricane causes loss in some jurisdictions, insurers may impose a greater deductible than usual. If the water damage was brought on by wind, such as when a tree fell on your roof and let rainwater into your home, you might get compensation.
The National Flood Insurance Program offers flood insurance through private insurers but at cheaper costs. Homeowners at the highest danger from severe storms should consult with their state insurance commissioners to decide if supplemental protection is required. Most hurricane-prone states run high-risk insurance pools that provide hurricane protection.
