Severe weather conditions are a critical factor when purchasing home insurance. While we can’t control natural events, we can choose to protect our property against most risks with the right coverage.
A standard homeowners insurance policy typically includes coverage for structural damage caused by lightning, wind, hail, and the weight of ice or snow. These protections are part of the basic policy and help address many common weather-related losses.
However, there are specific weather-related risks that are not covered by a standard policy and require additional coverage. Two of the most important are floods and earthquakes. Flood damage is not covered under standard homeowners insurance, but coverage can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through private flood insurance carriers, depending on availability. Earthquake damage is also excluded from standard policies and must be purchased separately or added by endorsement for an additional cost.
Storms and trees
A common question is what happens when a tree falls on a home and whether insurance covers the damage. The answer depends on the cause. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage, so if a healthy tree falls due to a storm, the damage is generally covered. If the tree falls due to negligence, such as lack of maintenance or known issues, coverage may be denied.
What if a tree on your property damages your neighbor’s home? In this case, you are only responsible if the damage was caused by negligence. If a healthy tree falls during a storm and damages a neighbor’s property, the neighbor typically files a claim with their own insurance company.
Because every situation is unique, it’s important to understand your current homeowners policy. At Calidad Insurance, we help you review your coverage and explain the options you need to stay protected and enjoy peace of mind during severe weather events.
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