FAQs On Floods And Home Insurance
LOS ANGELES – With winter storms causing widespread damage, the Insurance Information Network of California offers answers to frequently asked storm questions:
Question: The storm caused a tree to fall on my home. Does my homeowner insurance policy cover the damage?
Answer: Yes. The damage to your home would be covered and most policies also cover between $500 and $1,000 for tree removal. However, if the tree fell into your yard and did not damage your home, the tree removal typically would be your own responsibility.
Question: Rising water flooded my home. Am I covered?
Answer: Yes, if you have flood insurance. However, a standard homeowner’s policy does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is typically available from your agent through the National Flood Insurance Program (www.floodsmart.gov or (800) 427-9662). Keep in mind that it takes 30 days from the time you purchase the policy for it to take effect. The standard homeowner policy covers damage from water that falls from the sky (rain, sleet, snow and hail), but a flood policy covers damage from rising water.
Question: Tornadoes flipped and damaged my car andblew shingles off my roof, causing a leak that allowed rain to soak my living room. Would I be covered for this damage?
Answer: Typically, yes. Damage to your car would be covered under the comprehensive portion of your policy. Damage to your home caused by tornadoes is covered under a standard homeowner insurance policy, however an aging or poorly maintained roof would not be covered under your homeowner policy.
Question: A hill collapsed and slid into my home. Does my homeowner insurance policy cover this damage?
Answer: No. Landslides and mudslides are not covered by either homeowner or flood insurance policies.
Question: My car was caught in a flash flood. Will my auto insurance cover the repairs?
Answer: Yes. The comprehensive portion of the auto insurance policy would cover any damage to your car not caused by an auto accident. If you are involved in a rain-related accident, that damage would be covered by the collision portion of your policy.
IINC is a non-profit and non-lobbying trade association dedicated to helping the public understand insurance and manage risk. For more information, please visit www.iinc.org. IINC is also on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/iinc and on Facebook at http://companies.to/iinc.
