When is Hurricane Damage Not Covered?

When hurricanes strike, the resulting damage can be extensive and costly. Many homeowners assume their standard insurance policy will cover all hurricane-related losses, but not all hurricane damage is covered by a standard homeowners policy. There are significant gaps that could leave you exposed. Understanding these exclusions – and how to address them – can help you safeguard your home and finances. 

Wind Damage: Usually Covered, But With Caveats 

• Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage, which includes destruction caused by hurricane-force winds to your roof, windows, siding, and other structural elements. 

• However, in high-risk coastal areas, some insurers may exclude windstorm coverage entirely or require a separate, higher hurricane deductible-often calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. 

• Always review your policy or speak with your agent to confirm whether wind damage is included and if a special deductible applies. 

Flood Damage: Almost Never Covered 

• Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, including flooding from storm surges, overflowing rivers, or heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes. 

• This is one of the most common and costly types of hurricane damage. If water enters your home from the ground up, such as through doors, windows, or the foundation, you will need a separate flood insurance policy to be protected. 

Sewer Backup and Water Intrusion 

• If heavy rains or flooding cause your sewer system to back up into your home, standard policies typically do not cover this type of water damage. 

• You can add a water backup endorsement to your policy to help cover these risks, especially important if your area is prone to power outages and sump pump failures during storms. 

Other Common Exclusions 

• Damage due to earth movement (like landslides or mudslides triggered by hurricane rains) is also not covered by standard policies. 

• Some policies may have limitations on debris removal or coverage for detached structures (like sheds or fences) unless specifically endorsed. 

What Policies Can Help Fill the Gaps? 

To ensure comprehensive protection from hurricane-related losses, consider the following additional coverages: 

Coverage Type	What It Covers	How to Obtain It
Flood Insurance	Flooding from storm surge, heavy rain, rising water	Separate policy via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers
Windstorm Insurance	Wind damage if excluded from standard policy	Stand-alone windstorm policy or endorsement, often required in coastal areas
Water Backup Coverage	Sewer/sump pump backup, water intrusion	Policy endorsement or rider
Debris Removal	Cleanup costs after a hurricane	Additional endorsement or increased limits on standard policy
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)	Temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable	Included in most policies, but check your limits

How Blanchard Insurance Can Help 

At Blanchard Insurance, we believe in transparency and making sure our clients fully understand their coverage. Our team will: 

• Review your current homeowner’s policy for hurricane-related exclusions. 

• Recommend tailored solutions, including flood insurance and policy endorsements, to fill any gaps. 

• Help you navigate hurricane deductibles and ensure your coverage limits match your risk. 

Don’t wait until a storm is on the horizon. Contact Blanchard Insurance today to review your coverage and make sure you’re protected against every aspect of hurricane damage. 

Protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind – let us help you weather the storm with confidence. 

Click HERE to get an insurance quote TODAY!