What
type of disasters are covered?
Most homeowners policies cover all disasters
listed below. Some policies provide coverage only for the
first 10 listed. Check your insurance policies for the "perils"
covered.
1. Fire or lightning
2. Windstorm or hail
3. Explosion
4. Riot or civil commotion
5. Damage caused by aircraft
6. Damage caused by vehicles
7. Smoke
8. Vandalism or malicious mischief
9. Theft
10. Volcanic eruption
11. Falling object
12. Weight of ice, snow or sleet
13. Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from
within a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or automatic
fire-protective sprinkler system, or from a household appliance.
14. Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning,
or bulging of a steam or hot water heating system, an air
conditioning or automatic fire-protective system.
Disasters not covered
Floods
You can purchase flood coverage directly from
your homeowners insurance agent. However, the policy is provided
by the Federal Flood Insurance Program ( 800-427-4661, http://www.fema.gov/nfip
).
You can get replacement cost coverage for the
structure of your home, but only actual cash value coverage
is available for your possessions. There may also be limits
on coverage for furniture and other possessions stored in
your basement.
Flood insurance is available for renters as
well as homeowners. You will need flood insurance if you live
in a designated flood zone. But also consider buying it if
your house could be flooded by melting snow, an overflowing
creek or water running down a steep hill. Don’t wait
until the evening news announces a flood season warning to
buy a policy. There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage
takes effect.
Earthquakes
Earthquake coverage can be a separate policy
or an endorsement to your homeowners or renters policy. It
available from most insurance companies. In California, it
is also available from the California Earthquake Authority
( http://www.cea.gov ). In earthquake prone states like California,
the policy comes with a high deductible.
Maintenance damage
It is your responsibility to take reasonable
precautions to protect your home from damage. Your insurance
policy will not cover damage due to lack of maintenance, mold,
termite infestation and infestation from other pests
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