Storm Damage Q&A

Winter has arrived. And, in many areas of the country it has arrived with an angry growl.

We'd like to offer some important advice to consumers whose property is damaged by winter storms:

Question: My home was damaged in the storm, but I’m not sure if it’s covered by my homeowner's insurance policy. What should I do?
Answer: Contact your insurance agent or insurance company’s claim department. As soon as you file a claim, your insurer will determine whether your policy will cover the loss.

Question: The storm caused a tree to fall on my home. Does my policy cover the damage?
Answer: Yes. The damage would be covered; and many policies may also provide coverage for the tree removal, if the tree fell from your property.

Question: Am I covered for the damage caused by rising water that flooded my home?
Answer: Yes, if you have flood insurance. A standard homeowner's insurance policy does not include coverage for flood damage, so you would have had to purchase a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program. The standard homeowner's policy covers damage from water that falls from the sky (rain, sleet, snow and hail); not for rising water (i.e., floods).

Question: A hill collapsed and slid into my home. Does my homeowner's insurance policy cover this damage?
Answer: Unfortunately, neither landslides nor mudslides are covered by a standard homeowner's or flood insurance policy.

Question: High winds blew shingles off my roof, causing a leak that soaked my home. Would I be covered for the damage?
Answer: Typically, yes. Homeowner's insurance covers losses resulting from wind damage, such as rain entering the home from a wind-damaged roof. It does not cover damage from an aging or poorly maintained roof.

(Source: Insurance Information Network of California)