Tropical Storm Damage: Is Your Property Insured?

Tropical storms can cause widespread destruction, so it's important to know what your insurance covers. Standard home insurance policies typically cover wind damage, but you'll need separate flood insurance to cover flooding caused by storms. Home insurance policies generally don't cover damage caused by coastal flooding and storm surges, which are common during hurricanes and tropical storms. It's important to understand the natural hazards in your area and plan accordingly.

Wind damage to the exterior of your property is usually covered by home insurance

Tropical storms can cause widespread destruction, so it's important to know what your insurance covers. Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, including damage to your home and roof. Wind damage is one of the most common causes of storm damage, and it is usually covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. This includes damage to the exterior of your property, such as the roof, siding, and windows.

The dwelling coverage of your homeowners policy will help pay for repairs or replacements to the structure of your home, including the roof, siding, or windows, if they are damaged by wind. Your policy may also include personal property coverage, which can help repair or replace items damaged by wind.

It's important to note that there may be exclusions and nuances to your coverage depending on where you live. For example, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, you may need to pay a separate wind and hail deductible, which is usually higher than a typical deductible. Additionally, if you live in certain areas, you may need to purchase a separate wind insurance policy for coverage.

It's always a good idea to review and understand what your policy covers, including coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions, as well as take proactive measures to help secure your home from wind damage.

Flood damage is not covered by home insurance

Tropical storms can cause heavy rains and strong winds, leading to widespread destruction. It is important to understand the natural hazards in your area and plan ahead for worst-case scenarios. Home insurance policies may cover certain types of unexpected events, but it is crucial to know what is and isn't covered.

Home insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage caused by natural flooding or storm surges that occur during hurricanes and tropical storms. This means that water damage from flash floods, coastal waves, groundwater seepage, or any floodwater entering your home from outside is generally excluded from coverage. For instance, if you live in an area prone to flooding, like Louisiana, you will need to purchase separate flood insurance to protect your home and belongings.

Home insurance usually covers water damage if it is sudden and internal, resulting from specific perils such as burst pipes, faulty plumbing, or water damage from extinguishing a fire. However, damage due to lack of maintenance, neglect, or poor maintenance is typically not covered. This includes situations where water damage occurs gradually over time, such as from leaky or poorly maintained plumbing.

It is important to note that standard home insurance policies also generally exclude coverage for water or sewer pipe backups and water damage resulting from a flood. To protect against these types of losses, you may need to purchase additional coverage, such as flood insurance or water backup coverage.

Furthermore, home insurance does not typically cover the cost of repairing or replacing the source of the water damage, such as a malfunctioning appliance or leaky plumbing. You will be responsible for those expenses out of your own pocket.

In summary, while home insurance may cover certain types of water damage, it is important to understand that flood damage is generally not included in standard policies. To ensure adequate protection, homeowners in high-risk areas should consider purchasing separate flood insurance or adding flood coverage to their existing policies.

Water damage from inside your home, e.g. a burst pipe, is covered

Water damage from a burst pipe inside your home is typically covered by homeowners insurance. However, this depends on the nature of the incident and the specific terms of your policy. If the burst pipe was caused by something sudden or unforeseen, such as a leaking air conditioning unit or a malfunctioning appliance, then it will likely be covered. In this case, insurance usually covers the cost of repairing or replacing wood flooring, drywall, and even furniture damaged by the water. Some policies may also cover the cost of a hotel while your home is being repaired.

On the other hand, if the burst pipe was due to gradual damage, such as a leaky or rusty pipe, it may not be covered. Homeowners are generally responsible for maintaining their pipes and ensuring they don't freeze, remain unclogged, and are tightened. If you live in a cold climate, it's important to keep your home heated, even when you're away, to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. If you ignore a known leak or longstanding problem, your insurance claim may be denied.

It's important to carefully review your insurance policy to understand what is and isn't covered regarding water damage from burst pipes.

Additional living expenses if you are displaced are covered by home insurance

Home insurance policies typically include additional living expenses (ALE) coverage, which pays for your additional living expenses if you can't live at home due to a covered loss. This means that if you need to evacuate your home, your insurance policy may cover expenses such as hotel and food costs while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. It's important to note that ALE only covers additional costs that exceed your normal living expenses, and you will need to submit receipts for reimbursement.

ALE coverage can provide financial assistance if you are temporarily displaced due to a covered loss, such as a hurricane or tropical storm. This coverage can help pay for hotel or temporary rental costs, transportation costs, and other expenses you may incur while your home is uninhabitable. It is important to review your insurance policy or consult with your insurance agent to understand the specific details of your ALE coverage, including any limits or exclusions that may apply.

In the context of tropical storm damage, it is important to note that home insurance policies typically do not cover damage caused by coastal flooding or storm surges, which are common occurrences during hurricanes and tropical storms. However, damage caused by wind and rain is usually covered, including losses caused by flying debris or fallen trees. If you live in an area prone to tropical storms, it is crucial to understand your insurance coverage and take necessary precautions to protect your property.

To prepare for a tropical storm, it is recommended to have an emergency kit and follow evacuation procedures, move valuable items to higher levels in your home, protect or move property that could be damaged, and secure loose outdoor items. Additionally, keeping a detailed home inventory, charging electronic devices, and avoiding the use of candles are important safety measures. Understanding your insurance coverage and taking proactive steps to protect your property can provide financial protection and peace of mind during a tropical storm.

You may need to purchase separate windstorm insurance

Windstorm insurance is a type of property-casualty insurance that covers damage to your home and personal belongings caused by high-wind events such as hurricanes, gales, tornadoes, and cyclones. While windstorm coverage is typically included in standard homeowners insurance policies, those living in high-risk areas, such as coastal regions, may need to purchase separate windstorm insurance.

High-Risk Areas

If you reside in an area prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other wind-related disasters, you may need to buy separate windstorm insurance. Coastal areas and Midwestern states often fall into this category due to their susceptibility to hurricanes and tornadoes. Additionally, if you have a mortgage loan, your lender may require you to obtain windstorm insurance to protect your home.

Coverage Details

Windstorm insurance typically covers physical damage to your property and personal belongings. It may also include coverage for detached structures like garages and sheds. It's important to note that windstorm insurance usually doesn't cover damage caused by storm surges or flooding, so you may need to purchase separate flood insurance for that.

Cost and Deductibles

The cost of windstorm insurance can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of your home, and the insurance provider. In high-risk areas, it can cost approximately $2,000 per year. Windstorm deductibles are often calculated as a percentage of your home's total insured value, and they tend to be higher than standard homeowners insurance deductibles.

Claims Process

It's crucial to act quickly when filing a windstorm insurance claim, as many policies have a limited timeframe for submitting claims. After a windstorm, document the damage with photos or videos, save news articles about the storm, and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. You may also need to have your property inspected by contractors to provide repair estimates.

Policy Exclusions

It's important to note that windstorm insurance typically doesn't cover damage to vehicles caused by falling trees or blowing debris. To ensure coverage for your vehicle, you would need a separate comprehensive auto policy. Additionally, some policies may have limited coverage for homes located too close to coastal areas during specific hurricane events.

Frequently asked questions