Is Storm Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston today for help with your storm damage

It is storm season in Illinois which means your home could be at risk of damage. Do you know what your insurance policy does and does not cover?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover these types of damages:

• Water and ice damage
• Lightning strikes and power surges
• Wind, hail and fallen trees

Water and Ice Damage

Most homeowners' insurance policies help cover water damage if it is “sudden or accidental,” meaning a burst pipe or a failed fitting with a washing machine. The ice aspect comes into play with extreme cold weather damaging your roof causing leaks.

Lightning Strikes and Power Outages

Lighting coverage comes into play if your home is directly struck by lightning. A direct strike can cause fire damage, smoke damage or power surges. Power surges caused directly by a lightning strike, in most cases, will cover damaged electronics and appliances.

Wind Hail and Fallen Trees

Storms tend to have very high wind and hail which can be damaging to the exterior materials of your home. Under a normal homeowners policy, these types of exterior damages along with interior water damages are typically covered. Most policies also cover damage caused by a tree that is knocked over by the high wind.

If you are unsure of what is covered by your insurance, now would be a great time to call your agent and check your policy. It is better to know what is covered before something happens so that you can be prepared.

And as always, if you experience a loss related to storm damage:

CALL SERVPRO OF Effingham, MATTOON, CHARLESTON TODAY: 217-536-6655