Many consumers understand that a standard home insurance policy covers perils such as fire, windstorm damage, lightning, and hail damage. However, damage related to natural disasters can be somewhat confusing. At Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, we’re here to help clarify what is covered in your home policy regarding natural disasters.
What qualifies as a natural disaster?
The state of Washington is no stranger to natural disasters. If you have lived in the state for any length of time, you have likely experienced or seen weather reports of earthquakes, flooding, landslides, wildfires, volcanoes, droughts, heat waves, winter storms, and other severe storms. With climate change happening worldwide, the chances of these disasters occurring in Washington are expected to increase.
What natural disasters can be covered by a homeowners policy?
Now that we have explained what constitutes a natural disaster, let’s discuss which incidents are covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
- Earthquakes: They are not covered by a standard home insurance policy, but you can add them to your standard policy for an additional cost. Washington experiences over a thousand earthquakes a year, so it may be a coverage you’d like to discuss with our licensed agents.
- Floods: Another coverage not covered on a standard home insurance policy but has caused more damage in the state than any other natural disaster. However, it can be added to your policy for an additional fee. It can also be written to include flooding due to a tsunami.
- Wildfires: Covered and treated as a fire on a standard policy.
- Winter Storms: A standard home policy typically covers damage related to the weight of ice and snow on rooftops.
- Landslides: Can be added as a rider on your home insurance policy.
- Volcanoes: Mostly covered on a standard home insurance policy with a few exceptions. Talk to our licensed agent for a complete list of exclusions.
For more information about Home Insurance in Washington
We understand that you want to make sure your home is covered in case of a natural disaster. We are here to help. For more information about protecting your home from the unthinkable, call Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, at (253) 833-9501.
