Is Hurricane Damage Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?

Hurricanes continue to be among the most catastrophic natural disasters affecting U.S. homeowners. These tropical storms can bring treacherous winds, heavy rainfall and torrential flooding, potentially leading to devastating property damage and far-reaching financial losses.  

For millions of individuals and families, homeowners insurance is relied upon to provide a financial safeguard against various incidents and perils; however, even these policies have their limitations. With these things in mind, understanding how and when homeowners insurance can financially protect policyholders from hurricanes is paramount. 

Can I Rely on Standard Homeowners Insurance to Cover Hurricanes? 

In short, no. Generally, standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for many common perils, including fires, theft, burglary, vandalism and lightning. However, weather-related incidents are often a gray area for this type of insurance. While a standard policy may offer some protection against weather events, damage from hurricanes and floods is often not included. You must thoroughly vet your options and explore endorsements or separate policies to ensure coverage for hurricane-related damages.  

How Can I Get Coverage for Hurricanes? 

While standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover hurricanes, you may be able to purchase an endorsement for your policy or acquire separate coverage that does. When inquiring about this type of coverage, it’s essential to know that “hurricane insurance” often refers to various insurance options that combine to protect against hurricane damages. For instance, windstorm insurance and flood insurance are two popular options.  

It’s vital to review your homeowners insurance policy to see how hurricanes are treated. In certain locations, even if a home insurance policy covers some storm damage, hurricanes may be explicitly excluded or may have a separate hurricane deductible. 

What Is a Hurricane Deductible? 

One of the most critical components of a homeowners insurance policy is its deductible. This clause establishes a minimum amount you must pay out of pocket, even for covered incidents, before your policy can contribute financial assistance. When adding hurricane coverage to your homeowners insurance, you may also need to abide by a separate deductible for losses and damages caused by these storms. In such circumstances, even if you’ve already met your general homeowners insurance deductible, you will still be required to pay more out of pocket for hurricane-related losses to receive a payout. 

We’re Here to Help 

Acquiring and maintaining coverage for hurricanes may be critical for many U.S. homeowners, but doing so can be complicated. Fortunately, the dedicated staff at Bargain Insurance Connection has the knowledge and experience to help you explore available options and secure optimal coverage. Visit our website or call 816-453-7722 to learn more. 

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.