Published: June 2025
When homeowners are affected by a natural disaster the main question they usually have is “Will my insurance cover this?” The answer to that question depends largely on what kind of the disaster it was and what your insurance policy includes.
First, we will uncover what the standard homeowners insurance caters for — and more importantly — what it does not.
✅ What Natural Disasters Are Typically Covered?
In a nutshell, homeowners’ insurance that is defined by standard rules is likely to pay for the following natural events:
- Windstorms and hail
- Lightning strikes
- Wildfires
- Volcanic eruptions (in rare regions)
These are termed as “covered perils” in your policy.
For instance:
If a severe wind wreaks havoc on your roof leaving shattered pieces on the ground, it normally should be possible to get it repaired through your insurance provider (after a deductible).
❌ What Natural Disasters Are Not Covered?
Here’s where a large number of homeowners are taken aback. A couple of natural hazards are the most typical which are not covered by basic policies:
1. Floods
Damages caused by floods are the result of the overflow of rivers or a hurricane and are not covered in the standard policy.
✅ You would have to purchase a separate flood insurance policy, usually offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
Illustrative Case:
If during the hurricane your basement becomes flooded, and you don’t have a policy for floods, the expenses will have to be incurred by you.
2. Earthquakes
Home policies that are basic do not provide coverage for damage caused by earthquakes.
✅ You will need to include earthquake endorsement coverage in your insurance policy or purchase a specific policy for it.
Real Case:
An earthquake of moderate intensity causes small cracks on the wall of your house. You don’t have earthquake insurance, which means that you are the one who will have to pay a hefty amount.
How about Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Wildfires?
| Disaster | Covered by Standard Policy? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | ✅ Yes | Covered under windstorm clause |
| Hurricane | ✅/❌ It Depends | Wind damage is often covered, but flooding is not |
| Wildfire | ✅ Yes | Usually fully covered |
| Snow/Ice | ✅/❌ Depends on policy | Weight of snow may be covered; ice damming might not be |
🛡️ Optional Add-Ons (Endorsements) to Consider
To make it completely look like you are protected, communicate with your insurance provider about:
- Flood Insurance (required in FEMA flood zones)
- Earthquake Coverage (especially in CA, WA, UT)
- Sewer Backup Coverage
- Landslide or Mudslide Coverage (usually excluded)
🧠 Pro Tips for Homeowners
- 📍 Know your risk zone: FEMA maps will assist you in determining if you reside in an area susceptible to floods or earthquakes.
- 🧾 Bundle smartly: A few agents grant a lower premium rate limit for customers who buy the home insurance package together with the flood and earthquake coverage.
- Document everything: Click photographs and save bills. It significantly expedites the process of making a claim.