Are houses insured against natural disasters?

A: Your home insurance policy covers many natural disasters and weather events, including wind, hail, lightning strikes and wildfires. However, it does not cover damage caused by floods or earthquakes. You would need a separate policy for each of these perils.

What natural disasters are not covered in a homeowners policy?

A homeowners insurance policy typically covers natural disasters caused by explosion, fire, lightning, hail, windstorm, hurricanes, tornadoes, extreme cold, volcanoes and theft. Homeowners insurance usually does not cover earthquakes, floods, tsunamis or nuclear disasters.

What insurance protects you from natural disasters?

Homeowners + Renters Insurance | Disasters + Preparedness Standard homeowners policies cover a wide range of potential disasters, from tornadoes to lightning strikes to winter storm damage. Policies do vary, though, so for your own peace of mind, check yours for the specific perils covered.

Does homeowners insurance cover acts of nature?

Many standard homeowners insurance policies cover natural disasters, which means hurricanes, tornados and lightning storms can be covered. Act of God events caused by floods or earthquakes are not covered under standard homeowners policies. Remember, most homeowners insurance covers common acts of god.

Why are natural disasters not covered by insurance?

Earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes are often excluded from insurance coverage because they are considered “ground movements.” If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you should purchase a separate policy or an earthquake insurance endorsement.

Is a tree falling on your house an act of God?

If you have a tree or limb of a tree on your property that could fall, you are responsible for maintaining or removing that tree in order to prevent it from causing damages. If an otherwise healthy tree falls as a result of something like high winds, that’s an unforeseen event, an Act of God.

Is earthquake damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Earthquake damage to your California home is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Earthquake home insurance must be added by buying a separate policy.

Does your insurance policy cover damages caused by natural disasters?

Most standard policies don’t cover damages caused by floods. If you live in a flood zone, you can purchase flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, which provides coverage for businesses, homeowners and renters. Most standard policies don’t cover earthquake damage, either.

Is homeowners insurance more expensive in tornado prone states?

Homes located in states prone to tornadoes also cost more to insure. Louisiana, Iowa and Mississippi have the highest homeowners rates because they lie in the nation’s Tornado Alley. Tornadoes can produce massive damage over a short period.

How do fire stations affect home insurance rates?

Homes located within five miles of a fire station usually receive more favorable home insurance rates. If you own a home in a rural area, serviced by volunteer firefighters, you can expect to pay a higher premium. Some states have low overall home insurance rates but exorbitant rates in certain areas within the state.