Damage from a storm includes a range of damaging elements that could compromise your property both during and after one. This covers damage brought on by severe winds, lots of rain, storm surges, and floods. Every one of these factors may cause major property damage; thus, knowing what your insurance covers is rather important.
Wind damage is the most often occurring form of hurricane destruction. Frequently producing gusts above 100 miles per hour, hurricanes can seriously damage windows, siding, roofs, and trees. Additionally, wind damage might be caused by trees falling on houses, cars, or electrical lines. While most basic homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage, there may be specific hurricane deductibles applicable in places likely to be affected. Usually, more than ordinary deductibles, these ones are triggered when a storm satisfies particular conditions, including the National Weather Service designation of a hurricane.
Another worry during hurricanes is rain damage. If wind compromises windows or roofs, heavy rain may cause water to seep through. Although homeowners insurance usually covers water damage from rain that finds its way through a storm-damaged roof or window, it is advisable to be sure your policy offers such coverage.
Storm surges—which result from hurricanes pushing seawater onto land and drowning coastal areas—cause among the most catastrophic kinds of devastation. Extensive flooding caused by storm surges can ruin homes, cars, and personal items. Standard homeowners insurance policies usually do not, however, cover flood damage—including storm surge flooding. Either a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) must be used independently to acquire flood insurance. Home owners without flood insurance will be liable for all repair expenses related to storm surge flood damage.
Apart from storm surges, high rainfall during a hurricane can generate inland flooding that seriously damages houses and other properties. Once more, this kind of flood damage calls for distinct flood insurance.
With different insurance coverage depending on the type of damage, hurricane damage might consist in general of wind, rain, and flooding. Standard homeowners insurance usually covers wind and rain damage; flood damage from storm surges or inland flooding calls for specialized flood insurance. Reviewing your policies and getting wind and flood coverage is crucial for complete protection against storms if you live in a place likely to experience them.