Your home's primary purpose is to protect you from the elements. For the most part, they perform this task admirably. But occasionally, Mother Nature's attacks can lead to costly damage. At times like these, it is important to understand the typical coverage characteristics of most homeowner's insurance policies.  

Each homeowner's insurance policy is different, and you should always work closely with your insurance agent to ensure that you understand the specific details of your plan; but most common insurance policies treat different natural phenomena as follows:

Floods

Floods are rarely covered by standard home insurance policies; a separate policy (commonly known as an addendum or rider) must be obtained from the federal government to enjoy flood protection. In most cases, it is wise to consult flood hazard maps to determine the relative threat your home faces.

Earthquakes

Damage stemming from earthquakes, mudslides and sinkholes is typically not covered by homeowner's insurance policies. However, geography plays an important role in this equation; policies written in California, for example, often include earthquake protection.

Tree Failure

Most homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for damage arising from anything falling from the sky, including trees and branches. However, you will usually have to pay your deductible unless the tree originated on your neighbor's property, in which case your insurance company may sue your neighbor's insurance company. Should your insurance company prevail, you may be reimbursed for your deductible.

However, fallen trees that do not block access to driveways or damage your home (or any other building on your property) are generally not covered. For example, your policy may not pay for the repairs that result from a tree falling across your lawn or garden.

Mold

Mold – unless arising through the negligence of the homeowner or a natural flood – is often covered by homeowner's insurance policies. Additionally, if the mold arises from your failure to take reasonable precautions, your policy may not cover the damages. For example, if a falling tree creates a hole in your roof, and you do not cover the hole with a tarp in a reasonable amount of time, you may find yourself paying to have the mold eradicated.

Lightning

Lightning is generally treated like most other threats that hail from the sky – most homeowner's insurance policies cover not only damage caused by lightning, but also any fire damage that follows in its wake.  Most homeowner's insurance policies even cover damage to trees caused by lightning, although some policies only provide coverage for trees located within close proximity to your home. 

For more information, contact Kuresman Insurance or a similar company.