What Types of Disasters are Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

What Types of Disasters are Covered By Homeowners Insurance? Related Information:

You have to look at the list of disasters that are covered under your policy in order to really determine this. Most policies have two lists of perils, those that are covered and those that are excluded. If you live in an area where one of the perils under the excluded section is a common occurrence, you will have to pay extra on your policy to have this inclusion.

The typical perils that are included in a homeowner’s policy are:

Fire and Lightning.

Most people say that they don’t need this insurance because they are very careful around fire when they are cooking. Accidents happen to even the most careful. A drop of fat falling onto the burner of the stove can start a fire that could result in the total destruction of then home or damage to the kitchen. If you don’t have insurance, you could be left homeless or have to pay for the repairs to the kitchen yourself. Your home may be destroyed as the result of a forest fire or a fire in the house next door that winds carry to the roof of your home.

Fire can also result from a lightening strike when the lightening travels into the house on the electrical or telephone wires. Although instances of this occurring may not be common in your area, they are very common.

Wind and Hail

Wind can blow the roof off your house or you home may be damaged from other debris flying through the air if the wind is particularly high. Hail is very hard and can damage the siding of your home or cause the windows to break. Any outbuildings on your property are covered, but any trees or shrubs that get damages from this source are not covered unless you have special coverage for them.

Explosion

Most people think of explosions as only happening in factories. If you live near a factory, then this could be a possibility that you have to consider. However, there are many things that can explode in the home, particularly if you use propane as a source of heat or for cooking.

Aircraft

The likelihood of your home being hit by an aircraft is slim, but it has happened, both in cities and in rural areas.

Smoke

If you have a fire that is put out quickly there may be smoke damage to part or all of the house, which will require you to move out while it is being cleaned and repainted. The insurance will also pay to have the furniture, such as sofas, cleaned as well. The smoke could also be from other sources outside your home.

Riot or civil commotion

If any damage occurs to your home because of a riot or civil commotion that you are not involved with will be covered by your home insurance. If you are involved in any way, you may not be able to receive the payment.

Ice and Snow

If a build up of ice and snow causes damage to your roof, you will be covered under your policy. This also refers to anyone who slips and falls in your driveway or on your walkway.

Theft and vandalism

If your home is broken into and anything is stolen or damage occurs through vandalism, the policy will pay for the repairs and to help you replace the stolen items. You have to have replacement cost coverage in order to get the full value of the items.

Water Damage

This does not include damage that is caused by a flood. It refers to broken water pipes, sewer back up or damage that occurs through the water from fire hoses in the event of a fire.

Other perils that are included in a homeowner’s insurance policy cover electrical surges and damages caused by volcanic eruptions.