Its never a problem you wish to face. But as the National Weather Service has warned New Yorkers of a risk of tornadoes, strong winds and severe weather throughout much of the state on Thursday, it’s prudent to know whether your insurance would cover in the case of a tornado.
Will homeowners insurance cover tornado damage?
If a tornado damages your home, what your insurance covers depends on your specific policy, where you live and what caused the damage.
In general, standard homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage, which means tornado-related damage is often covered. However, coverage varies, so it’s important to review your policy before an attempt to file a claim.
If tornado damage makes your home unsafe or uninhabitable, your policy’s loss-of-use coverage may help pay for temporary living expenses beyond your normal household costs, according to Progressive.
Does homeowners insurance cover tornado wind damage?
Usually.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for wind and hail damage, according to Allstate. Dwelling coverage may help pay to repair your home if it is damaged by tornado winds.
Personal property coverage may also help replace belongings damaged during the storm, according to Progressive.
However, coverage can vary. If your policy excludes windstorm damage, tornado-related repairs may not be covered.
MORE: Tornado watch in New York: What to do if a tornado threatens
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from a tornado?
Not always.
Flood damage is generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, Allstate says.
However, if a tornado damages your roof and rain enters your home through the opening, that damage may be covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover fallen trees?
It depends on the circumstances.
If strong winds cause a healthy tree to fall on your home, your policy may cover the damage if wind damage is included in your coverage, according to Allstate.
But if a tree was dead, rotting or otherwise neglected before it fell, the damage may not be covered because it could have been prevented.
How to file a tornado damage claim
If your home is damaged:
Is there a separate deductible for tornado damage?
Possibly.
Some homeowners insurance policies include a separate windstorm deductible. This may be a flat dollar amount or a percentage of your coverage limit and could be higher than your standard deductible, according to Progressive.
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Does homeowners insurance cover tornado damage? What to know
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
