{"id":1233,"date":"2024-11-15T19:31:18","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T19:31:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/?p=1233"},"modified":"2025-04-23T17:01:22","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T17:01:22","slug":"natural-disasters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/natural-disasters\/","title":{"rendered":"How Home Insurance Can Save You During Natural Disasters\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Between hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, people may wonder just what their home policy will cover. When it comes to home insurance and natural disasters, it\u2019s helpful to know where you stand with your policy. If you get hit by Mother Nature\u2019s wrath, you may question, \u201cDoes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/our-products\/homeowners-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">home insurance<\/a> cover natural disasters?\u201d Let\u2019s look into this important topic to determine how your home coverage may work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Assessing Home Insurance Coverage Amidst Mother Nature\u2019s Wrath<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When Mother Nature strikes, one of the first things you may do is check your home property coverage. However, it could be difficult to assess just what is and isn\u2019t covered. You may not be comfortable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/read-homeowners-insurance-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reading your homeowners insurance policy documents<\/a>. You can always call your insurer for information, but in the meantime, there are certain claims that most standard policies will cover. So, whether you\u2019re dealing with the ravaging winds of a hurricane or tornado or the surging flood water, a homeowners policy comes in handy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Home Insurance Traditionally Covers<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may wonder, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/what-is-homeowners-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">what is homeowner\u2019s insurance<\/a>, and what does it entail? A standard policy has several sections that address various damages you may incur. It will cover most types of damage that occur to your dwelling, other structures, personal property, and liability issues. The elements listed in your policy typically include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dwelling<\/strong>: This section of your coverage involves your home\u2019s structural aspects. It may also include things like an attached garage or porch.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Other structures<\/strong>: If you have other buildings or structures on the property, they will be covered by this part of your policy. This can include things like a separate shed, pool building, etc.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Personal property coverage<\/strong>: If the interior of your home experiences damage, you may need to replace some of your personal belongings. This can include items like furniture or clothing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Liability<\/strong>: If someone gets injured on your property, this part of your policy will help protect you from liability costs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Additional living expenses<\/strong>: Sometimes, a home is uninhabitable after sustaining damage. In this case, your policy will help cover living costs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Standard Inclusions: Fire, Lightning, and Tornadoes<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/what-does-homeowners-insurance-cover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What does homeowners insurance cover?<\/a> Standard inclusions for a policy include fire, lightning, and tornadoes. The types of situations included under the policy are listed as covered perils.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Perils Typically Covered<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Perils involve an event or situation that may result in property damage or loss. Your policy will state which perils will be covered. However, typical perils include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Windstorms and hail&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Fire and smoke damage&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Theft and vandalism&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Water damage (but only from certain sources, like burst pipes)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Falling objects (such as a tree hitting your house)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Fine Print: Limitations and Exclusions<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every insurer will also have limitations and exclusions. So, it\u2019s best to talk to your agent about the specifics. However, most standard policies exclude things like the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Earthquakes&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Landslides&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pest damage&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Mold and mildew damage&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Power failure damage&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Floods&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When Natural Forces Overpower \u2014 The Exclusions List<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think Mother Nature may strike in such a way as to overpower the exclusion list, you do have choices to stay protected. You can purchase a separate policy that will cover any of the exclusions you think might be relevant to your area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2.jpg\" alt=\"House outside flooded.\" class=\"wp-image-1242\" style=\"width:829px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-722x480.jpg 722w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-241x160.jpg 241w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-481x320.jpg 481w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-301x200.jpg 301w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-60x40.jpg 60w, https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/home-insurance-save-you-from-natural-disaster-acceptance-insurance-2-211x140.jpg 211w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Floods and Earthquakes: A Separate Policy Matter<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Two common policies that are add-ons to standard homeowner\u2019s protection are flood and earthquake insurance. These optional policies give you peace of mind if you\u2019re in an area prone to these situations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hurricanes and Wind Damage: Decoding Deductibles<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you experience hurricane damage and file a claim, be aware that most policies have a separate hurricane insurance \u2014 or tornado insurance \u2014 deductible. This is separate from the standard deductible you will have with your policy. A hurricane deductible may be percentage-based and range from 1% to 10% of your home\u2019s insured value. Or they may be flat-dollar deductible. However, percentage-based deductibles are more common.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Additional Protections for High-Risk Zones<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live in a high-risk area, you can discuss adding separate policies and coverages to ensure that you are protected. You don\u2019t want to experience a natural disaster and also find out you didn\u2019t have adequate protection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Federal Aid and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Floods can cause devastating damage, and they can happen anywhere. As a result, the federal government created a program designed to help with the economic challenges of dealing with floods. There are two types of coverage available through this program: building and contents coverage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncdoi.gov\/nfip-summarycoverage\/open#:~:text=Congress%20created%20the%20National%20Flood,(FEMA)%20manages%20the%20NFIP.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) <\/a>was developed to protect property owners from the monetary consequences of flood damage. The funds are distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Special Considerations for Unique Circumstances<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some unique circumstances may warrant special attention. For example, what if your home is also your business? Or what if you rent? What happens in these circumstances? Keep reading to find out the answers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Home Businesses and Natural Disaster Coverage<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people do business out of their homes. Consequently, they may have expensive equipment that standard policies won\u2019t cover. It makes sense to consider a separate home business policy. Talk to your agent about your options to ensure you are covered in case of an emergency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Renters\u2019 Role in Insurance During Disasters<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Renters need to purchase renter\u2019s insurance to be protected. This will cover their personal belongings in case of a disaster. The owner\u2019s coverage will only take care of structural damage. However, items such as furniture and personal effects need a separate policy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make Sure Your Home Is Covered When Mother Nature Comes Knocking<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Be prepared if Mother Nature comes knocking at your door. Take time to review your policy with a knowledgeable agent at Acceptance so you can better understand home insurance and natural disasters. You can purchase thorough coverage that meets all your special circumstances for protection. Our agents can discuss any concerns you have to ensure that you get the best coverage at the most affordable price. Contact us by phone at <a href=\"tel:8774057102\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(877) 405-7102<\/a>. Additionally, you can visit one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/locations.acceptanceinsurance.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">many locations<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/get-a-quote\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">get a quote online<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Between hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, people may wonder just what their home policy will cover. When it comes to home insurance and natural disasters, it\u2019s helpful to know where you stand with your policy. If you get hit by Mother Nature\u2019s wrath, you may question, \u201cDoes home insurance cover natural disasters?\u201d Let\u2019s look into this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":1241,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1233"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1233"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1233\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1243,"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1233\/revisions\/1243"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acceptanceinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}