How Does Windstorm & Flood Insurance Work Together?

Hurricanes cause wind and water damage. Carrying insurance for both protects you fully.

A standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover flood damage, and in some states may not cover wind damage. Consumers who want full protection purchase wind and flood insurance.

Homeowner's Insurance

The standard homeowner's insurance covers water damage from things like burst pipes and leaky water heaters but, not from floods. In some states, it covers wind damage but, not usually in hurricane-prone states.

Flood Insurance

Flood insurance covers all water damage from any type of flood, whether the rains from a hurricane cause a flood or rains enter a home through a wind-damaged area. The National Flood Insurance Program offers flood insurance to owners and renters in NFIP-participating communities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires homeowners with properties in high- and coastal high-risk zones to buy flood insurance.

Wind Insurance

Wind insurance protects the homeowner from damages from any kind of wind storm, including tornado and hurricane. Wind damage may be caused by direct force of winds or flying debris.

References

• MSN Money: What your home insurance doesn't cover
• Chiff: Hurricane Insurance Tips, Advice, Guides and Information
• Federal Emergency Management Agency: Flood Zone Designations