Is Storm Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Review your insurance policy to see what storm damage is covered

As hurricane season approaches and extreme weather conditions continue to increase in severity, Massachusetts is sure to experience intense summer storms this year. You may be wondering, “Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage?” The answer is yes and no. In general, your policy will cover damage caused by lightning, hail, and wind. Most policies will not cover earthquakes and floods as those are separate types of insurance. You should review your policy to see what is covered, what is not, and if you need additional coverage. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding and/or earthquakes you may be required to buy additional coverage by your bank or lender as a part of your mortgage agreement. You can help limit storm damage by clearing storm drains around your property regularly. Conduct routine maintenance of sump pumps and have backup power for them in case you lose it. Inspect gutters and downspouts to make sure they are moving water away from your home. Check weatherstripping and caulking around any openings in your foundation like bulkheads and windows. Maintain grading around your property so that it is sloped away from the building. In some cases, installing a french drain to divert water is necessary to keep water out of your basement. If you do experience storm damage give us a call right away so we can begin mitigation as soon as possible. We will work with your insurance company directly so you don’t have to.