It depends on the type of disaster and your specific policy. Standard homeowners insurance usually covers some natural disasters, but not all.
Here's a general overview:
| Disaster | Typically covered by standard homeowners insurance? |
|---|
| Windstorms | Usually yes |
| Hail | Usually yes |
| Lightning | Yes |
| Wildfires | Usually yes |
| Tornadoes | Usually yes |
| Volcanic eruptions | Often yes (for direct damage) |
| Flooding | Usually no |
| Earthquakes | Usually no |
| Landslides/mudslides | Usually no |
For flood damage, a standard homeowners policy generally does not provide coverage. Flood insurance is typically purchased separately. In the U.S., it may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program or from private insurers.
A few important distinctions:
- Flood means water that rises onto normally dry land from outside your home (such as overflowing rivers, storm surge, or heavy rainfall). This is generally excluded.
- Water damage from inside the home, such as a burst pipe or an accidental plumbing leak, is often covered, though gradual leaks or poor maintenance usually are not.
- If a storm damages your roof and rain enters through the opening, that resulting water damage is often covered because the initial covered peril was the wind or hail damage.
If you're unsure about your own policy, check:
- The policy's Declarations Page to see what coverages and endorsements you have.
- The Exclusions section for flood and earth movement.
- Whether you've purchased a separate flood or earthquake policy.
If you tell me:
- your country (or U.S. state), and
- the type of natural disaster you're concerned about,
I can explain what coverage is commonly available in your area.
