Your homeowner insurance financially protects your home and possessions in the event of damage caused by covered perils. In case a storm causes damages to your home, depending on the kind of coverage you have, as well as the situation, your homeowners insurance may or may not cover your loss. Here’s some more information on this topic.
What Types of Storm Damage Are Covered by Home Insurance?
A standard home insurance policy typically covers various types of storm damage, including
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- Ice and water damage
- Lightning strikes as well as power surges
- Hail, wind, and fallen trees
Ice and Water Damage
A thunderstorm or the ice covering your roof can cause damage to your home or any other covered structure such as a detached garage. Homeowners insurance usually covers the damages caused by hail or ice up to the policy limits. Being compensated for water damage coverage, however, hinges on the cause. For instance, your homeowners insurance may cover the damage caused by the bursting of frozen pipes. Assess your homeowners insurance to understand the type of water damage that the policy covers.
Lightning Strikes and Power Surges
Homeowners insurance typically covers the damage caused by lightning strikes, for instance, smoke or fire damage. Some policies also cover power outages and surges resulting from lightning strikes, like damages to appliances and electronics. Just like in virtually all insurance policies, limits and specifics of your policy apply. However, the standard homeowners insurance does not typically cover power surges that emanate from off-property electrical issues. If this is a concern for you, you should consider expanding your coverage to secure your personal property.
Hail, Wind, and Fallen Trees
A hailstorm can damage your siding, and strong wind can rip shingles off your roof. Homeowners insurance usually covers wind damage. This coverage usually includes damage caused by wind-driven rain, hail, and snow that gets into your home through your walls or roof due to the damage caused by wind. Many of the policies also cover the damages caused by fallen trees as long as the tree broke due to the wind or storm.
Exclusions in Home Insurance
- Earthquakes –
Homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover damage resulting from earth movement or earthquakes.
- Flood –
Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance, whether it results from an overflowing river or a rainstorm. However, you can purchase flood insurance via the National Flood Insurance Program, or a separate insurance policy. As weather patterns shift due to climate change, storms are likely to become more severe and wreak more extensive damage. That is why having the right homeowners insurance is vital: it can give you peace of mind as well as reduce the emotional and financial devastation in the event of damage resulting from a covered peril.
A standard home insurance typically covers various types of storm damages, including the ones discussed in this article. Are you looking for the right homeowners insurance for your valuable home and its contents? Contact our experts at Family Financial Insurance Group, today! Based in Mesquite, Texas, we offer multiple coverage options for all your unique insurance needs.