According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 1,200 tornadoes touch down in the U.S. every year, with wind speeds as high as 300 mph. Peak tornado season is April through June or July. The most severe tornadoes tend to occur in the spring when they strike the Southeast, a more densely populated area than the Great Plains. III states that the South has more mobile homes than other regions of the country, and mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to tornado damage.
A tornado can wreak havoc on a home and its surrounding structures and landscaping. Whether you are likely to need tornado insurance in addition to homeowners insurance will depend on the area in which you live and the type of home you have. Our experienced agent can advise you on the coverage you need to protect your home and your family.
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage To My Home From A Tornado?
Wind & Hail Tornado Damage
Tornados can damage your home in several different ways. Homeowners insurance policies typically cover perils such as wind and hail. If your policy covers these perils, it can provide protection up to policy limits. Some homeowners policies may exclude coverage for wind and hail damage. Our agent can review your current policies to determine if you are covered and advise you as to whether your policy limits are high enough to repair or rebuild your home in case it gets hit by a tornado.
Flooding Tornado Damage
Tornadoes may be accompanied by heavy rains. Homeowners insurance policies do not generally cover flood damage. However, if your roof was damaged by wind and water gets into your home as a result, your homeowners policy may provide some protection, provided it covers wind damage. You may be able to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
What Tornado Insurance Coverage Do I Need?
Tornadoes can appear out of nowhere, from any direction, with or without hail, rain, thunder, and lightning. Considering the tremendous damage a tornado can cause, it makes sense to be prepared in your insurance coverage.
- One of the biggest risks you face in case of a tornado is your home being underinsured. You may want to consider increasing its insured value.
- Make sure your homeowners insurance policy does not exclude or limit windstorm damage.
- Check to make sure you have an all risk or peril insurance policy to provide maximum protection for your home and personal property.
- Find out what the basis of your claims payments will be. Make sure you have actual cash value (ACV) or replacement value with cash out option.
- Ensure your additional living expenses (ALE) coverage is sufficient for your family’s needs if you are unable to live in your home while repairs are done to your property or in your area.
There are other factors to consider, such as what coverage you may have in case of a power failure and how your vehicles will be protected against tornado damage. Our friendly agent will be happy to help.