If you're a homeowner, you've undoubtedly wondered at some point if your storm damage is covered by insurance. Many individuals think that repairing storm damage is straightforward, but the reality is that it can be costly. Studies suggest that the average cost of restoring a house damaged by a severe storm is $6,765.
Fortunately, if your house is damaged in a harmful storm, homeowners insurance companies in Corpus Christi will cover the expense of a repair. They'll also cover damages from a variety of weather conditions (snow and sleet to hail, tornadoes, and more) and natural disasters (such as earthquakes and wildfires).
However, before you start to file a claim, it's important that you understand your policy and what it covers.
This post will explore what types of storm damage are typically covered by homeowners' insurance and what aren't.
What Types of Storm Damage Are Typically Covered by Homeowner's Insurance?
Water and ice damage
Lightning strikes and power surges
Wind, hail, and fallen trees
Water and Ice Damage
Water may harm a house, whether it's a thunderstorm in the spring or an ice-covered roof. Water damage is often covered by homeowners insurance — up to the limits stated in your policy — but it varies depending on the cause of the damage.
For example, you may discover that homeowners insurance protects you when a frozen pipe bursts in your house. Check your policy to see what types of water damage it covers.
Lightning Strikes and Power Surges
When lightning strikes a property or other structure covered by your policy, the resulting damage, such as fire or smoke damage, is frequently reimbursed by homeowners insurance in El Paso. It also protects you against power surges and outages resulting from a lightning strike, such as damages to electronics or appliances.
But, premiums and deductibles apply, just as they do with any other insurance policy. So, check your policy or contact your agent to discover the kinds and amounts of coverage it includes.
Wind, Hail, and Fallen Trees
If a terrible storm blows through, you may discover that your siding has been damaged by hail and shingles lifted off the roof by the wind. Wind damage is covered by homeowners insurance. Likewise, hail, wind-driven rain, or snow that penetrates a home due to wind damage is usually covered.
Additionally, if a tree falls on your house or another structure covered by your policy and causes damage, homeowners insurance typically covers the repairs.
However, if the tree falls on your lawn and doesn't cause any harm, you'll likely have to pay for the removal yourself.
What Types of Storm Damage Are Not Covered by Homeowner's Insurance?
Earthquake
Flood
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are natural disasters that can cause extensive property damage. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance does not cover this type of damage. However, earthquake insurance may be purchased as a distinct policy. An agent can advise you whether this coverage is available in your region.
Floods
Just as with earthquakes, flooding is not typically covered by homeowners insurance policies. However, heavy rains, melting snow, blocked drainage systems, and other events may lead to flooding.
As a result, water may enter your house through the foundation, windows, doors, or other openings, causing severe damage.
If you live in an area inclined to flood, you may want to purchase flood insurance. However, it's important to know that flood insurance must be purchased separately and is not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.
What Is the Procedure for Making a Claim After Storm Damage?
Wait until the storm has passed and it's safe to go outside or return to your house after a storm has harmed your home. Then do a thorough examination of the damage that was caused.
Be sure to document everything with photos or videos. The next step is to contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
You will have to file a claim form and provide evidence of the damage. The insurance company will then send an adjuster to assess the damage. Once the adjuster has completed their report, your insurance company will let you know how much they are willing to reimburse you for the repairs.
The Bottom Line
Homeowners' insurance covers some, but not all, types of storm damage. Therefore, it's essential to understand what your policy covers and doesn't cover so that you can be prepared in a storm. If you have any questions about your coverage, don't hesitate to contact your agent. They will be happy to help you understand your policy and what to do next. Or ask for a homeowners insurance quote to review your coverage and consider whether you need additional protection. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your home.