Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage?

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover storm damage from wind, hail, lightning, falling objects, and the weight of snow and ice. But there are exceptions. Damage from floods, earthquakes, and sewer backups is generally not covered unless you pay extra to add that coverage to your policy or buy a separate policy for it. 

What storm damage does homeowners insurance cover?

Home insurance covers a list of specific perils, which are events that can damage your property. Here are the types of storm damage that are typically covered by homeowners insurance:

• Wind and hail damage to roofs, siding, and windows: Home insurance generally covers storm damage to the outside of your house, including the roof, siding, windows, and gutters. 

• Lightning strikes, resulting fires, and power surges: Your policy should cover damage from the strike itself and any fire that follows. Electrical damage, such as a damaged appliance from a power surge, may or may not be covered depending on the specifics of your policy.

• Falling trees and other windblown debris: If a tree or flying debris damages your house, insurance typically helps pay for repairs. Tree removal is often covered too, usually up to a set dollar amount.

• Weight of ice and snow buildup on a roof: A roof that collapses under heavy snow or is damaged by an ice dam is generally covered.

• Rain that enters through a storm-damaged roof: If wind tears off shingles and rain pours into the attic, the resulting interior damage is typically covered.

What storm damage isn’t covered by home insurance?

Every home insurance policy has certain exclusions, which are causes of damage the policy won't pay for. Here are some examples of storm damage that aren’t normally covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy: 

• Flooding and rising water: Flood damage from storm surges and overflowing rivers is almost never covered by home insurance. To be covered, you will need flood insurance.

• Earthquakes and earth movement: Earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes aren't covered by standard home insurance. Coverage may be available as an optional add-on (called an endorsement) from your current insurer.

• Sewer backup: Water that backs up through drains or sewers isn't covered unless you add a specific endorsement to your home insurance policy. This optional coverage is available from most insurers.

• Neglect and wear and tear: Your home insurance policy won't pay for damage caused by lack of maintenance, like a roof that was already damaged before a storm, or normal wear and tear.

In the table below, you can see what most home insurance policies cover after a storm, and what’s typically excluded.

How much of a storm damage claim will insurance pay?

Many types of storm damage are covered under a home insurance policy, but the amount that’s covered depends on several factors.

Deductibles

Your deductible is the amount of covered damage you agree to pay for out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Standard home insurance deductibles are usually a flat dollar amount — for instance, $1,000. But in storm-prone areas, many policies come with a separate wind and hail deductible that’s based on a percentage of your home's insured value (called your dwelling coverage limit). 

Percentage-based deductibles are often set somewhere between 1% to 5% of your dwelling coverage. So, for example, if your policy has $300,000 in dwelling coverage and you have a 3% wind/hail deductible, you would be responsible for the first $9,000 out of pocket before your insurance company pays toward covered damage.

$300,000 x 0.03 = $9,000 out-of-pocket responsibility

Actual cash value vs. replacement cost value

Another major factor in how much storm damage is covered is whether your policy reimburses based on actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV). Here’s the difference:

• Actual cash value pays what your damaged item was worth at the time of the loss — meaning the cost of buying the item brand-new today, minus depreciation for age and wear.

• Replacement cost value pays what it costs to repair or replace the item with similar materials today, without subtracting depreciation.

Here's an example of how this can play out. Imagine a tree falls through your roof during a storm and damages a couch that's 10 years old and showing wear. If your policy reimburses based on ACV, your insurer might only cover a fraction of what a comparable new couch costs, since yours has lost a lot of its value over time. An RCV policy would cover the full replacement cost of a similar new couch, regardless of its age.

Partial loss vs. total loss

Most storm claims are partial losses, like a damaged section of roof. Your insurer typically pays to repair the damage, minus your deductible. A total loss happens when repairs would cost more than the home is worth or the damage can’t be repaired. In that case, the insurance payout is usually capped at your policy's dwelling coverage limit.

What to do if a storm damages your home

If your home is damaged in a hurricane, blizzard, or other storm, here’s how to file a claim:

1. Document everything before cleaning up. Take photos and video of the damage, and make a list of any damaged personal belongings.

2. Make temporary repairs, if it’s safe to do so. Cover a hole in the roof with a tarp, or board up broken windows to prevent further damage. Keep your receipts so you can get reimbursed as part of your claim.

3. Contact your insurance company promptly. Most insurers have time limits for reporting a claim. Contact your insurance company quickly so you can start the claim-filing process sooner and potentially receive your payout faster.

4. Get a repair estimate. A contractor's estimate can help you understand the scope and cost of repairs, and your insurance company may ask for one as part of processing your claim.

Frequently asked questions

What two types of damage are typically excluded from homeowners insurance?

Floods and earthquakes are two major exclusions from standard home insurance policies. You may be able to add these coverages to your policy through your current insurer via an endorsement or separate policy. If not, you can buy coverage through another private insurer or, for flooding, through the National Flood Insurance Program.

What counts as storm damage under a homeowners policy?

Storm damage generally means damage from wind, hail, lightning, and the weight of snow and ice — including secondary effects like a fallen tree or an ice dam forming on the roof. It doesn't include flood water that rises from the ground or enters your home through an overflowing natural water source.

Will filing a storm damage claim raise my home insurance rate?

It might. Your claims history is one of several factors insurers weigh when setting your premium, which is the cost of the policy. Other factors include your home's age and location, as well as the types of coverage and policy limits you choose. Storms that affect many homes in one area can also raise rates for everyone, whether or not you actually file a claim yourself, since insurers spread the cost of large-scale storm losses across all the policies they cover in that region.

How long do I have to file a storm damage claim?

The deadline for filing a storm damage claim varies by state and insurance company. Some give you as little as 30 days, others up to a year or more. You can typically find this information in your policy documents under a section covering your duties after a loss. Or, you can ask your insurance company directly. It's always recommended to report damage as soon as possible to avoid delayed or denied claims.