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What’s covered at a glance
| Disaster | Standard homeowners policy? | How to get cover |
|---|---|---|
| Flood and storm surge | No | NFIP or private flood policy |
| Hurricane wind | Usually yes, often with a separate deductible | Homeowners policy; state wind pools in some coastal areas |
| Hail, tornado, windstorm | Yes | Homeowners policy (watch for wind/hail deductibles and roof terms) |
| Wildfire, smoke and ash | Yes | Homeowners policy; state FAIR plan where insurers won’t write |
| Earthquake | No | Separate policy or endorsement |
| Sewer backup | Usually no | Water backup endorsement |
Flood insurance
Flooding is the most common and most expensive natural hazard in the U.S., and FEMA says about a third of NFIP claims from 2013 to 2023 came from outside high-risk flood zones. The NFIP has more than 4.6 million policyholders.
- Limits: up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents for homeowners; renters can buy up to $100,000 of contents cover. Building and contents are bought separately.
- Cost: about $976 a year on average in 2026 NFIP data. High-risk zones (A or V) average $1,114 and other zones $745. Communities that reduce flood risk can earn discounts of 5% to 45%.
- Pricing: under Risk Rating 2.0, premiums reflect each home’s flood risk, including distance to water, elevation and rebuilding cost. Most annual increases are capped at 18%.
- Waiting period: usually 30 days. Exceptions apply if you buy when taking out or renewing a mortgage, or within 13 months of your area being remapped into a high-risk zone.
Private flood insurers may offer higher limits or lower prices for some homes. The NFIP’s legal authorization must be renewed by Congress periodically; during a lapse no new NFIP policies can be issued, although existing policies continue. Lenders require flood cover for mortgaged homes in high-risk zones.
Hurricane and wind deductibles
In 19 states and Washington, D.C., homeowners policies can carry a separate hurricane deductible, usually 1% to 5% of the home’s insured value and sometimes more on the coast. On a home insured for $300,000, a 5% deductible means paying the first $15,000 of hurricane damage. Some states use a broader windstorm or wind/hail deductible that applies to any wind damage, including tornadoes.
Triggers vary by state: some deductibles apply when the National Weather Service names a storm or issues a watch or warning, and end a set number of hours afterwards. Fire, theft and other losses still use your normal flat deductible. Check your declarations page so you know which deductible applies.
Wildfire
Homeowners and renters policies typically cover wildfire, smoke, soot and ash damage, plus additional living expenses if you can’t live at home. Some policies pay during a mandatory evacuation; others require actual damage or impose a waiting period. Cars are covered by the comprehensive part of your auto policy, not your home policy.
The bigger issue in wildfire areas is availability. In California, the FAIR Plan, the insurer of last resort, grew to about 696,562 dwelling and commercial policies by June 2026. FAIR plan policies there are fire-only, so homeowners need a second “difference in conditions” policy for theft, water and liability.
Earthquake
Earthquake damage is not covered by standard homeowners policies. In California, the California Earthquake Authority sells policies through participating insurers, which you can add at any time. Deductibles are high: 5% to 25% of the dwelling limit. On a $500,000 home, a 15% deductible means paying the first $75,000. Loss-of-use and the first $1,500 of emergency repairs have no deductible, and retrofitting an older home can earn discounts of up to 25%.
When regular insurers say no: FAIR plans
About 33 states have a FAIR plan or similar residual market for people who can’t buy cover in the normal market. These plans are backed by all licensed insurers in the state, usually cover the dwelling only, often exclude liability and loss of use, and are typically more expensive with less protection. Use them as a bridge while you look for a standard policy. In Florida, Citizens Property Insurance plays a similar role; homeowners offered a private policy within 20% of the Citizens premium must generally take it.
Protecting yourself before disaster strikes
- Check your flood zone and buy flood cover at least 30 days before storm season.
- Know your hurricane or wind deductible in dollars and keep savings to cover it.
- Make a home inventory and store it online. See our claims guide.
- Consider extended replacement cost, since rebuilding costs spike after big disasters; see our coverage guide.
- Ask about mitigation discounts for storm shutters, fortified roofs and wildfire defensible space; see our discounts guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
No. You need a separate flood policy from the NFIP or a private flood insurer.
How much does flood insurance cost?
About $976 a year on average for NFIP policies in 2026, ranging from about $428 in Alaska to $1,840 in West Virginia, depending on risk.
Does home insurance cover hurricane damage?
Wind damage is usually covered, often with a separate percentage deductible. Flooding and storm surge from a hurricane are not covered without flood insurance.
Is wildfire covered by home insurance?
Yes, standard policies typically cover fire, smoke and ash damage, plus extra living expenses. Finding a policy in high-risk areas can be the harder part.
When does flood insurance start?
Usually 30 days after purchase, with exceptions such as buying alongside a new mortgage.
Sources
- FEMA – Your NFIP flood insurance decision (Oct 2024)
- FEMA – Don’t wait: buy flood insurance today
- FEMA – Understanding Risk Rating 2.0 (July 2025)
- NerdWallet – How much does flood insurance cost? (May 2026)
- Insurance Information Institute – Hurricane and windstorm deductibles
- NAIC – What should I do after a wildfire?
- California Earthquake Authority – Earthquake insurance policies
- California Earthquake Authority – Coverages and deductibles
- NAIC – FAIR plans
- Beinsure – California insurers pledge new policies (Sept 2026)
- Insurance Business – Citizens cuts policy count to 270,000 (Sept 2026)
Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.