Does Home Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

​Natural disasters are hard to predict and control, so preemptive activities are done and advised by the state government. But if you at least have a basic home insurance policy, you can save some of your money. A policy also lets you have a bit of peace of mind when a season of disaster is coming. 

Natural Disasters That Basic Home Policies Typically Cover
Depending on your location, you can choose from the coverage option that you think is most valuable for your home against natural disasters. Here are some natural disasters that are typically covered by your homeowner's insurance:

Snow or Extreme Cold
Protect your home from extreme cold, which damages the roofing and gutters and freezes your water pipes.

Hail and Windstorm
Windstorms, including Cyclones and Hurricanes, usually cover damages to physical and personal items. It may include debris from broken windows, roofs, or sheds. Document damages by taking photos to present and prove your claim.

Lightning
Lightning strikes can damage your electricity source or even cause a fire in your home. Review your policy for things you need to prove for claiming and receiving the payout.

Volcanic Eruption
Some states like Alaska and Hawaii might find it difficult to get insurance because of high-risk damage from active volcanoes nearby. In other states, it may include damages from fire, ashes, explosions, and lava.

Other Disasters That Basic Homeowners Insurance Usually Covers:

• Fire
• Smoke
• Explosion
• Vandalism
• Riot
• Theft
• Damage caused by vehicles or aircraft
• Damage to the heating system, electric current, or extreme cold

Natural Disasters That a Basic Homeowners Policy Does Not Usually Cover
There are a few disasters that your basic insurance policy does not cover. Knowing them is important so you can make informed decisions as a homeowner. Listed below are the natural disasters that your basic policy does not cover.

Earthquake
Some government institutions offer earthquake coverage but not through common insurance policies. Earthquakes caused by volcanic eruptions are usually excluded and have an individual policy you can get as an add on.

Flood
Damages caused by floods are usually not included in policies. You can purchase separate flood insurance to cover its damages. Always consider your location for any types of disasters that may cause flooding, like hurricanes or extreme cold.

Conclusion
We all know that maintaining a home takes a lot of energy and monetary resources, but prevention is an important part of it. Protect your family and one of your precious investments from disasters that may harm your property. Pick what fits your location and get the best out of your Homeowners Insurance. 

At Cornerstone Insurance Agency, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (888) 661-8831. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!