Homeowner insurance policies vary greatly from one carrier to another, and standard policies can cover a wide range of disasters from snowstorm damage to tornadoes – or, they might not. It’s important that you know exactly what your particular policy covers so that you can rest easy about what is covered and purchase additional coverage for what isn’t covered.

What Disasters are Typically Covered?

In general, perils that are covered by insurance for dwelling and personal property include windstorms and hail; explosions, fire and/or lightning damage; damage caused by vehicles, aircraft, theft, or vandalism; damage from volcanic eruptions, and accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or sprinkler systems. Looking over your specific coverage, you might find that damage from riots or commotion is covered, as is damage from a falling object. Frozen plumbing most likely will be covered, in addition to the weight of snow, ice, or sleet causing damage.

What Perils are Typically Not Covered?

For the most part, perils except earthquakes, floods, war, landslides and mudslides, sinkholes, nuclear accidents, and floods are NOT usually covered:

1. Earthquakes: If you live in an area that frequently has earthquakes, you might already know that this type of disaster is only really covered with a separate policy. You might also have an endorsement added to your home insurance policy that covers them.
2. Floods: Floods are almost never, ever covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Separate flood insurance is needed and is available from a few private insurers and also from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
3. Sewer Backups: Sewer backups are not going to be covered under your standard, typical home insurance policy. They are also not covered by flood insurance. This type of insurance has to be purchased either as an endorsement to your current policy at a nominal cost or as a separate product altogether.
4. Maintenance Damage: This type of damage isn’t going to be covered under the typical policy for homeowners, because it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain his or her home. Taking reasonable precautions to protect it from damage is part of the deal. If a homeowner neglects the home and it sustains damage because of a lack of maintenance, mold, or infestation by pests, standard policies won’t cover it.

Never go through time owning a home without becoming very familiar with what your policy covers and doesn’t cover. Can you imagine the stress, heartbreak, and frustration it would cause to just assume something was covered under your policy, only to find out (too late) that it wasn’t? It’s a risky game that can financially and emotionally ruin you and those you love; be sure to skip the risk and protect yourself with comprehensive homeowner’s insurance that will have endorsements or additional policies you need.

Summit Insurance can help! We specialize in shopping for your insurance, so you don’t have to! Contact our insurance advisors today to request a homeowner’s insurance quote online with no fee, no pressure, and no obligation.