Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?
Auto & Home
Even the best home insurance policy won’t cover everything.
Climate change has exacerbated natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires, which can severely damage or destroy your home. It’s important to understand what your homeowners insurance policy covers—and what it doesn’t— before disaster strikes. Individual policies differ and coverage often depends on where you live, but here are some guidelines.
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What’s Covered
Tornadoes. Most policies cover damage from high winds, hail, flying debris, and fallen trees. If a tornado damages your roof and causes rainwater damage to your home, you should be covered. Some areas prone to tornadoes may require “disaster deductibles” for wind or hail.
Hurricanes. Hurricane damage caused by wind and hail is typically covered, though there may be limited coverage or a separate, higher deductible if you live in a coastal area. In some areas, homeowners may need to add windstorm insurance.
Fire. Your home and personal property are covered for fire damage, typically without restrictions within your policy limits. However, in wildfire-prone areas, wildfire may be excluded as a peril. You may pay a higher rate or carry a separate deductible for wildfire claims.
Lightning. A lightning strike that causes a fire or strikes a tree that results in damages to your home or belongings is typically covered. However, the cost to remove damaged trees may not be.
Ice, Snow and Deep Freezes. Damage to your home or personal property is usually covered if caused by the weight of ice or snow. Damage from burst pipes due to extreme cold is generally covered provided the heat was on, but the pipe repair may not be. Water damage from melting snow is usually not covered and would instead fall under a separate flood insurance policy.
What’s Not Covered
Floods. Flood damage is excluded under standard homeowners insurance policies. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private flood insurers provide separate flood insurance options.
Earthquakes. According to a recent U.S. Geological Survey, 75% of U.S. states are now at risk of damaging earthquakes.1 Due to the potential for extensive damage, earthquakes are excluded from standard homeowner’s policies. Those in high risk areas like California may need to purchase separate earthquake insurance or add an endorsement to their homeowners insurance to ensure they’re protected.
Sinkholes and Landslides. If you live in an area prone to sinkholes or landslides, check your homeowners policy to understand your specific coverage options. Additional protection for these damages is usually available under a separate insurance policy or policy addendum.
With the right insurance, you can recover from a disaster, so it’s especially important to understand what’s covered—and what’s not—and secure protection for natural disasters that may occur in your area. Individual policies vary, so check yours for the specific perils covered and excluded.
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1 “Nearly 75% of the US is at risk from damaging earthquakes, new map reveals,” www.livescience.com, January 2024.
