Prepare for Disasters

Your life can change in the blink of an eye.

Why do they matter?
Tornado safe rooms constructed following FEMA guidance or ICC 500-certified storm shelters are your best chance for survival when deadly hurricanes and tornadoes strike. They provide near-absolute life safety protection and can withstand extreme winds, even up to EF-4 or EF-5 level tornadoes.

Saving lives is the first and foremost purpose of safe rooms and shelters, but they can also make your home more valuable. According to FEMA analysis, a safe room can increase your home’s selling price by approximately 3.5%. As site-built and prefabricated safe rooms can cost as little as $3,000, tornado safe rooms and shelters are both lifesaving and moneywise.

What do I need to know?
There are six different types of tornado safe rooms and shelters.

Cast-in-Place Concrete
These rooms are built with removable forms and assembled onsite. Once the forms are placed, the rebar is set inside the formwork, then filled with concrete. The panels are removed after the concrete hardens.

The walls and ceilings are formed at once to create a strong, secure structure. When you add this type of shelter to an existing home, it is usually added to the exterior. The panels can be fitted with liners to create concrete exterior surfaces that look like siding, brick, or stone.
This room can be built virtually anywhere in a new house.

Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs)
These rooms are created using foam blocks that contain steel reinforcement, fitted together, and then filled with concrete. The foam is a permanent part of the room and provides insulation to the building.

The ceiling is constructed with ICFs creating a continuous, steel-reinforced concrete structure. The forms can be used in new or existing construction.

Interior and exterior finish options include drywall, sheetrock, or siding nailed to the foam.
You can use ICFs to build a stand-alone safe room or an entire house.

Concrete Masonry
Concrete masonry safe rooms are common in new construction and can be built in one to two days. Individual concrete blocks are set in place; rebar is placed for strength and durability, and the cells are fully grouted.

Reinforcement comes out of the foundation, centered in grouted cells, and is carried to the top. Two rows of steel at the top of the wall hold the assembly together.

Bathrooms, walk-in closets, and basement storage rooms commonly serve as locations for these safe rooms in new construction. Exterior applications are often in a garage, detached garage, or storage building. This method offers a variety of texture and finish options.

Precast Concrete
This room is formed off-site and delivered to a house for installation. It can be used virtually anywhere in a new house. It is usually added to the exterior when added to an existing home.

The room is anchored using steel angles (L brackets) and bolts. Precast concrete can be used to build an entire house, and it can be finished in a variety of colors and textures using form liners. Exterior surfaces can be customized to look like siding, brick, or stone.

Prefabricated Steel
Prefabricated safe rooms must meet the ICC 500 standard and are available in smaller sizes than the safe rooms constructed using FEMA P-320. These rooms typically cost less than site-built safe rooms.

Installation costs for prefabricated safe rooms vary depending on the delivery distance as well as any necessary foundation or geotechnical work required to ensure installation on a sturdy foundation.
Prefabricated safe rooms can be ordered online or in-store at home improvement retailers.

Wood Frame and Steel Sheathing
The wood frame construction method uses wood framing covered by steel sheets and two layers of plywood. Hurricane ties are used to connect the roof to the studs, and another hurricane tie is added at the bottom with an anchor bolt to hold everything down. This type of safe room can be built in less than one day.

This room can be used as an addition to an existing home after verifying that the foundation is adequate. It can also be included in new construction in a variety of room options, such as a closet, storage space, or stand-alone garage structure.

Sheetrock, textures, and paint can be used to customize finishes and room colors. A wood frame safe room is most affordable when constructed as part of a new home, as the cost of additional materials is primarily the door assembly, steel, and extra plywood.

Where do I start?
Whether you build a safe room onsite or install a prefabricated shelter, consider the safety of its location. Safe rooms are designed to protect you and your family from extreme winds but cannot protect you from flooding. That is why they should never be built or placed in areas expected to flood during hurricanes, thunderstorms, or other severe weather events.

Contact your local building official, emergency management office, or floodplain management bureau to determine if your home is in a storm surge zone, high flood risk zone, or flood-prone area.

More Resources
Tornado-Strong.org – Checklists, fact sheets, and video library
FEMA P-361: Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms
FEMA P-320: Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building or Installing a Safe Room for Your Home
ICC 500: Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters

Why do they matter?

Your home is vulnerable to damage during hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, or tornadoes when roof ridge vents, soffits, valleys, and other roof accessories fail. Securing the components of your roof during a storm can prevent water intrusion, the creation of windborne debris, and subsequent damage to your home’s roof and interior. Strengthen these parts of your roof today, so you are ready when high winds arrive.

What do I need to know?

Roof accessories refer to various products and materials used in conjunction with a roof system to enhance its functionality, appearance, or both. Some standard roof accessories include:

  1. A soffit is a horizontal surface outside on the underside of the eaves. The eave is the area of the roof that overhangs the exterior walls. Properly installed and braced soffits resist wind forces and keep water out when the wind drives rain against the outside walls pushing through soffits and into the home’s attic. Soffit failure during recent hurricanes continues to present a challenge. It has caused widespread and costly ceiling and interior damage. The good news is that soffit bracing is a high-impact yet low-cost DIY home improvement project.
  2. Attic ventilation openings include soffit vents, ridge vents, off-ridge vents, gable rake vents, and turbines. Post-storm damage investigations often find attic ventilation openings that failed to resist high-wind pressure or keep wind-driven rain from entering the home.
  3. Ridge vents are installed at the roof’s peak to allow hot air to escape from the attic, improving ventilation. Shingles on roof ridges often blow off in hurricanes or severe windstorms. Vented ridge caps should be fastened adequately to ensure wind resistance. Low-profile ridge vents are a good choice as they are less vulnerable to high wind.
  4. Roof valleys are problematic in severe weather because they experience significant water flow. They can create ponding if they collect leaves and debris, leading to water seepage into the attic.
  5. Rooftop exterior equipment includes exhaust fans, fan cowlings, and vent hoods. This type of equipment can blow off during high-wind events due to insufficient anchorage, inadequate equipment strength, or rusting fasteners and straps.
  6. Flashings are metal pieces installed around chimneys, vents, and other roof openings to prevent water from seeping into the roof.
  7. Gutters and downspouts are installed at the roof’s edge to collect rainwater and direct it away from the building’s foundation.
  8. Skylights are installed on the roof to allow natural light into the building.
  9. Snow guards are installed on the roof to prevent snow from sliding off and potentially causing damage to property or people below.
  10. Solar panels are installed on the roof to generate electricity from sunlight.
  11. Chimney caps are installed on chimneys at the top to prevent debris and animals from entering.

Where do I start?

Have a licensed general or roofing contractor inspect your roof accessories to ensure they are anchored and secure.

More Resources:

FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: High-Wind Wood Frame Construction Edition

HurricaneStrong.org Soffit Checklist

Buyers Guide to Resilient Homes – Hurricane and Tornado Checklists

FEMA 499, Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series

Technical Fact Sheet No. 7.5, Minimizing Water Intrusion through Roof Vents in High-Wind Regions

FEMA P-55, Coastal Construction Manual: Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas

Why do they matter?

Many homes have accessory structures such as sheds, gazebos, pavilions, pergolas, and attached structures, including open carports. An unsecured accessory structure can be loosened, lifted, and moved by high winds during hurricanes, severe storms, or tornadoes, causing damage and creating dangerous conditions.
Engineering analysis after high-wind events often finds that damage begins when an attached or accessory structure fails, leading to even more significant damage to the home. For example, carports with poor connections to the house can be lifted by high winds and compromise the home’s roof. Insufficiently anchored structures such as sheds can break apart and become windborne debris that cracks windows and allows wind inside the house. Making sure these structures stay in place is critical to keep you safe and help prevent damage to the structure and your home.

What do I need to know?

Securing gazebos, pergolas, sheds, or other accessory structures against high wind requires several steps:

  1. Proper foundation: The structure should have a sound foundation, such as concrete footings, to ensure it is firmly anchored to the ground. If the structure rests on columns, they should be securely connected to the foundation to resist wind uplift and damage.
  2. Strong anchoring: The structure should be anchored to the foundation using strong bolts or anchors designed to withstand high winds. This can include anchor straps, earth anchors, or auger anchors.
    a. Carports and other attached structures, such as swimming pool screen enclosures, must be securely anchored to a foundation and attached to the main structure.
    b. All accessory items require some form of anchorage, regardless of size. Even a small playhouse can detach and become windborne debris in extreme wind events.
    c. Generally, if an object cannot be moved indoors, you should anchor it to the ground.
  3. Reinforced construction: The accessory structure should be strengthened to withstand high winds. This could involve using thicker or stronger materials, adding cross-bracing or additional framing, or using hurricane straps or truss screws to secure the roof to the walls.
  4. Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the structure remains in good condition, so be sure to repair any damage or wear and tear promptly. This can include replacing damaged or missing components, tightening bolts or anchors, and trimming trees or other vegetation that could fall on the structure during a storm.
  5. Remove loose objects: Any loose objects, such as furniture, planters, or decorations, should be removed from the structure and stored inside during high winds.
  6. Stay up-to-date: Stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and warnings in your area. If a severe storm is expected, taking additional precautions, such as removing the roof or dismantling the structure until the storm passes, may be necessary.

Where do I start?

• Consult a licensed contractor or engineer in your area to have them determine if the anchorage and connections on your accessory or attached structures are sufficient to resist high-wind events.

More Resources:

FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: High Wind Wood Frame Construction Edition
FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: Concrete Construction Edition

Why do they matter?

Strong foundations help stabilize your house during earthquakes, floods, high winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes. They resist hydrostatic forces of water, carry wind forces down to the ground, and resist seismic forces as they pass underneath your home. A house with strong wall-to-foundation anchorage and connections will help prevent your home from collapsing, moving, sinking, sliding, tipping, or overturning during disasters.

A strong home foundation is one of the essential parts of your resilient home. 

What do I need to know?

House design, budget, climate, location, soil conditions, and moisture are the main factors used when selecting a foundation type for your home. Three main types of foundations are commonly used for residential and single-family homes.

  • Poured concrete or “slab-on-grade” foundations are the most common type used for houses, especially in climates that do not experience winter freezes. This foundation is constructed by pouring concrete into a steel-reinforced mold on a framed gravel bed. You can adapt this foundation for use in colder climates with insulation and by adding concrete footings that extend into the ground below the expected frost line.
  • Permanent wood foundations are less common than poured concrete but offer lightweight, high-strength, durable options for home construction. These foundations are constructed using treated, moisture-and decay-resistant lumber or engineered wood. The advantages of this type of foundation are that they are simple to build, insulate, and weatherproof. The disadvantage may be that this foundation cannot handle the heaviest loads.
  • Raised Foundations are common along the coast and in flood-prone regions, as they can support the home while resisting moisture conditions. There are two main types of raised foundations, stem wall and pier-and-beam. Note: Pier-and-beam is sometimes called post-and-beam, but generally, pier refers to concrete, and post refers to wood.

A house with a stem wall foundation has a wood-framed first floor attached to a raised concrete perimeter made from reinforced masonry (CMU or cinder blocks.) A pier-and-beam foundation is a system of vertical pillars or piers extended into the ground on footers. The piers support the joist system that holds up your home’s floor.

Retrofitting wood and raised foundations to strengthen their performance in disasters is cost-effective and relatively simple. Retrofitting poured concrete foundations may be more costly as it could require some drywall removal to create access.

Where do I start?

  • Consult a contractor or professional engineer whether designing a foundation for your new home or retrofitting an existing home. However, some retrofitting grant programs provide pre-approved plans with prescribed strengthening and anchoring methods.

More Resources:

FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: High Wind Wood Frame Construction Edition

FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: Concrete Construction Edition

Nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) identifies tornado safety knowledge gaps and offers an education campaign to save lives and property. 
 
(Tallahassee, FL) – As communities prepare to mark the 11th anniversary of the deadly April 27 “Tuscaloosa Super Outbreak,” a new survey reveals that Americans in high-risk states continue to struggle with understanding critical tornado weather warnings and life safety protection options.
 
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) annual tornado research effort, Is America #TornadoStrong? surveyed 500 residents in 12 tornado-prone states. The questions measured awareness and understanding of weather terminology, safe and unsafe protective actions, safe rooms, storm shelters, and affordability.
 
According to the 2022 survey, 42% percent of respondents mistook a tornado watch for a warning. In comparison, this is an improvement over 2021, when 50% confused the terminology. The terms matter because they prompt distinctly different protective actions. Staying aware (Tornado Watch) vs. taking shelter (Tornado Warning) can make a life-or-death difference.
 
Additionally, 48% of those surveyed are unaware that safe rooms are affordable and provide near-absolute life safety protection in most tornadoes. 51% overestimated the cost.
 
“The National Weather Service dubbed April 27, 2011, as the most active and deadliest day for tornadoes,” said FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson. “That outbreak and the December devastation in places like Mayfield, Kentucky, reflect the need for continued public education efforts like #TornadoStrong. We want to ensure that people in harm’s way know where to go, what to do, and when to do it as tornadoes threaten and strike.”
 
Visit Tornado-Strong.org to view the 2022 Is America #TornadoStrong?Topline Consumer Survey Findings Report.View and download free resources, including Tornado Watch vs. Warning: Know the Difference and What to DoAccess the Choosing the Right Safe Room for You backgrounder that outlines six different types of safe rooms and includes short video features. Public educators and meteorologists can use the shareable social media graphics and FAQs to spread the word about tornado safety.

If your home is damaged or destroyed in a storm or natural disaster, you can take steps to protect your family’s safety, comfort, and financial stability during recovery.

Seek guidance from reliable sources, including emergency management officials, local government leaders, insurance company representatives, and nonprofit organizations that specialize in disaster response and recovery. Determine if your disaster-affected community has formed a long-term recovery task force and follow task force news to learn about relevant resources, services, and deadlines.

You may never forget your disaster experience, but you can recover and bounce back with the physical, emotional, and financial support available after the worst happens.

Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider.

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Be aware that certain disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, may not be covered by standard homeowners policies.

Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage, like placing blue tarps over roof damage or broken windows. Save your receipts for any materials you use, and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Document your loss, and preserve damaged items until your adjuster has visited your home or your company advises that you may dispose of the items. Take photos and use videos to prepare a home inventory to document your claim. Assemble copies of receipts from damaged items.

You may have coverage for lodging and other living expenses while you are displaced from your damaged home, so be sure to include those receipts in your claim documentation.

For more information about insurance considerations during a disaster, check out our guide to homeowners insurance to find out more about filing a claim.

Explore available disaster assistance.

Throughout recovery, stay up-to-date and monitor local radio, television, and other information sources about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance. Check out options for how to stay informed.

Post-disaster economic assistance programs may be available for individuals under certain circumstances. Direct assistance of food, shelter, supplies, and cleanup may come from any number of organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and others. The federal government may help individuals and families with temporary housing, counseling, loans and grants, and other assistance. There are also programs to help small businesses and farmers.

Look into options for housing assistance.

FEMA provides housing assistance for qualifying disaster victims. Homeowners within a designated federal disaster area can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register.

Applicants should be prepared to describe losses and provide their Social Security Number, financial information, and the location of the damaged property.

Practice coping with disaster.

Disasters can have an emotional toll, and adults may need crisis counseling or stress management assistance. Children, older adults, people with disabilities, and people who speak English as a second language may be especially at risk for emotional distress post-disaster.

Seek crisis counseling if you or a family member is experiencing disaster-related stress. Local faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, or professional counselors can provide counsel and advice. FEMA, state, and local government agencies may also provide crisis counseling assistance.

Make sure you understand the personal effects of a disaster, recognize signs of disaster-related stress, and are familiar with how to manage that stress.

If in doubt, do not give out your personal information. Report to local authorities anyone claiming to be a government worker. Safeguard against disaster-related fraud by taking these precautions:

  • Ask for an official laminated photo ID. Agency shirts or jackets are not enough to verify a representative’s identity.
  • Be cautious when providing personal information. FEMA inspectors never require Social Security or bank account numbers. Applicants choosing direct deposit are asked for bank account information after they call or go online to apply. During a follow-up call, a FEMA representative may ask only for the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
  • Beware of people going door-to-door or telephone calls claiming to be building contractors. These could be scam artists, especially if they solicit financial information.
  • FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams distribute flyers that mention personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers. These teams will not ask for personal information from applicants. They only tell applicants what to have on hand when they call or go online to apply for help.
  • Federal representatives do not solicit or accept money and never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or help filling out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damage; they do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.
  • Report suspicious activity to local authorities online or via the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.

More Resources

When returning home after a natural disaster, there are ways to make sure you and your family are safe. There may be immediate dangers like contaminated water and wild animals or less obvious threats like structural damage to your home.

Follow these safety tips when re-entering your home.

  • Return to your home only once local authorities say it’s safe. After a flood, don’t return until the water recedes. Check for announcements and instructions concerning the affected area, medical aid, and other forms of assistance, such as food, water, ice, and shelter. Get tips on staying up to date.
  • If you expect minimal damage, inspect the area around your home before entering. Walk carefully outside your home and look for damaged power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
  • If you are concerned that your home isn’t safe, or if there is significant damage and debris, leave the area immediately. Request an inspection by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering your house. Don’t enter your home if you smell gas or see flood waters around the building. If your home was damaged by fire and hasn’t been declared safe by qualified officials, don’t enter.
  • Flooding poses the risk of waterborne bacterial contaminations, so avoid floodwater.
  • If it is safe to enter, use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect your home. Turn on the flashlight before entering. Turn on the flashlight before entering. NEVER use candles or lighters.

Check for threats outside your home.

  • After an earthquake:
  • Look around your entire house for signs of collapse or movement off the foundation.
  • Examine the ground for fissures or shifts in the ground. Look for breaks in fence lines or other indications of nearby damage.
  • After a wildfire:
  • Look out for ash pits (holes resulting from burned tree roots filled with hot ash), charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. Mark them, and warn others to stay clear. There may be heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.
  • Check the outside of your home, roof, and gutters. Wet them down to put out any smoldering sparks or embers. Call 911 if you see fire.
  • Wear a respirator dust mask and wet down debris to minimize breathing in dust particles.

Check for threats inside your home.

Be careful when entering your home. Wear leather gloves and solid, thick-soled shoes with steel toes. Look out for loose boards and slippery floors.

  • Pests: Watch out for pests, such as mice, rats, insects, or snakes, especially after flooding. Disasters and life-threatening situations will intensify the unpredictable nature of wild animals. Contact your local animal control, wildlife agency, emergency management office, or health department for specific information.
  • Natural gas: Open a window and immediately leave if you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound. If possible, turn off the main gas valve from the outside. Call the gas company. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, only a professional should turn it back on. Don’t smoke or use fire inside until you’re sure gas is no longer present.
  • Sparks and broken or frayed wires: Assess the electrical system if you aren’t wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If the situation is unsafe, leave immediately and call for help. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Only turn on the lights when you are sure they are safe to use. You may want an electrician to inspect your wiring. Look out for power poles that may be unstable. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to 911 or the utility company’s emergency number.
  • Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks: Immediately leave if there are any signs that the building may collapse. Look for cracks in the chimney’s mortar, which can pose a fire hazard or let in carbon monoxide. A certified chimney inspector can evaluate your chimney. Look out for any signs of damage, like exposed or cracked beams, roof leaks, and foundation cracks.
  • Drywall, stucco, or plaster: After an earthquake, look for new or more significant cracks in the drywall, stucco, or plaster, including “stair step” cracks.
  • Floor: Bouncy, soggy, or mushy floors can mean damage underneath.
  • Attic: If your home has experienced a wildfire, check the attic. If you see smoke or fire, get out of the house and call 911.
  • Stairs: Look for changes in the stability of staircases and whether the banister and supporting columns are secure.
  • Windows and doors: See if any windows or doors are newly jammed or blocked. After an earthquake, look closely around windows and door frames for radiating cracks.
  • Appliances: If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Unplug appliances and allow them to dry. Have the appliances and the electrical system inspected by an electrician before turning the power back on. After an earthquake, make sure your furnace and water heater connections are tight and not leaking.
  • Water and sewage systems: Turn off the main water valve if any pipes are damaged. Ask local authorities before using any water. Pump out wells and have the water tested before drinking. Unless authorities have announced that it’s safe, assume that the tap water is not safe, and use properly stored water or boil your tap water. Do not flush toilets until you are certain that sewage lines are intact.
  • Food and supplies: Carefully inspect all food and drinks. See more information about food safety in a power outage.
  • Basements: If your basement is flooded, pump it out gradually (about one-third of the water per day). Do not pump the basement while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged, as the walls may collapse and the floor may buckle. After an earthquake, cracks and bulges in the basement floor and exterior walls can indicate severe problems.
  • Cabinets: Be alert as you open cabinets for objects that may fall.
  • Household chemical spills: Clean up and disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals.

Clean up debris responsibly.

Any kind of cleanup work can be hazardous, but cleaning up after a hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, or other natural disaster requires special care and attention. If your home is damaged and your yard is littered with debris after a disaster, there are ways to ensure that cleanup is safe and environmentally friendly.

Check with your local government for cleanup procedures before disposing of debris.

You can expedite cleanup by separating debris:

  • Yard debris like branches and downed trees
  • Building debris like fences, roof materials, screens, windows, carpets, etc.)
  • Regular garbage and trash

Put debris at your curbside, away from fire hydrants, trees, power lines, mailboxes, valves, or other items that could be damaged or make collection difficult.

Yard Debris

  • Cut fallen tree limbs into sections of 4 feet or less (if you have experience and can do so safely).
  • Stack material neatly at the curbside, separated from garbage.
  • Put smaller or loose items (limbs, leaves, etc.) into sealed containers like garbage cans or clear plastic bags.
  • Bundle piles of small branches and secure them with twine. Containers or bundles should weigh 50 pounds or less.

Home Debris

Keep building debris and building contents separate from vegetative material and regular garbage. Check for special requirements like designated disposal sites other than curbside.

Start cleanup once you know you can safely enter your home, and follow this checklist to ensure your safety.

  • Wear protective gear like safety goggles, work gloves, hard hats, and thick-soled shoes.
  • Consider other safety equipment the cleanup may require. You may need to wear a respirator after a wildfire. After a flood, wear protective boots to avoid contaminated water.
  • Wash your hands and face often using soap and drinking-quality water.
  • Don’t remove heavy debris by yourself.
  • Downed or damaged trees might have power lines that could electrocute you. Don’t touch wet electrical equipment or any electrical equipment if you are standing in water. Turn off electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if it’s safe.
  • Take photos and video to record home damage before any repairs. Get more information about what to do if your home is damaged or destroyed.

Regular garbage and trash

Attempting to dry out the contents of your home can take several weeks, and if the humidity remains high, microorganisms may continue to grow. If the house and its contents are not properly dried out and you notice musty odors, consider throwing out the wet materials.

  • Dispose of food that has come into direct contact with floodwaters or wildfire.
  • Throw away canned or other packaged foods or drinks that appear dented or damaged.

Safety tips for debris cleanup

  • Make sure debris doesn’t block storm drains, fire hydrants, the right-of-way, or pedestrian traffic.
  • Keep children away from debris piles. They can be full of broken glass, nails, jagged wood, and other sharp items, as well as rodents, bugs, or other animals.
  • Watch children carefully around heavy equipment and debris removal operations. Equipment operators may not easily see small children.
  • Move your vehicles away from debris piles to make it easier for equipment operators to pick up the materials and reduce the possibility of damage.
  • Drive carefully when behind trucks loaded with debris. Materials can fly out, causing an accident or driving hazard, so maintain a safe distance.
  • Keep open flames, cigarettes, or other ignition sources away from debris piles, as they may contain flammable materials.

Remember your homeowners insurance.

  • Contact your insurance company. Get more information on how to file a homeowners insurance claim after a disaster.
  • Protect against further damage, like covering broken windows to prevent water intrusion.
  • Take photos and video of any damage to your home before attempting any repairs.
  • Keep records of repairs and cleaning costs.

More Resources

If your home is damaged by a covered peril, you will need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. All companies have toll-free telephone numbers for claims reporting, and most have company websites and app with online claims reporting options.

An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, so there are rules and procedures that you and your insurer must follow. The best way to understand your role is to read your insurance policy.

  • If you are the victim of a theft or your home has been vandalized or burglarized, report it to the police. Get the case number and share it with your company insurance adjuster.
  • Insurance policies place a time limit on filing claims, so always report promptly. Ask these questions: Am I covered? Does my claim exceed my deductible? How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?
  • Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage. Save receipts for what you spend, and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
  • You are going to need to substantiate your loss. Preserve damaged items until your adjuster has visited your home as reasonable and safe. Photograph or videotape the damage, and prepare a home inventory for your adjuster, along with copies of receipts from damaged items.
  • If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep records of all additional expenses incurred. Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the “loss of use” of their home. Be aware that many policies do NOT provide coverage for the additional living expense if a mandatory evacuation is ordered and there is no loss to your home.
  • Once you have notified your insurance company about your claim, the company is required to send the necessary claim forms to you by the end of a specified time period. (The time period varies from state to state.) Return the properly filled-out forms as soon as possible in order to avoid delays.
  • Your insurance company will arrange for an adjuster to work with you to handle your claim either online, through the telephone, or by visiting your home, depending on the size of your loss. Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of your settlement, state laws require that you are sent payment promptly. In most cases, your claim will be processed quickly.

More Resources

Are you in the dark about what your insurance policy will provide after a disaster? For example, you may have coverage for food that spoils when the power fails, even if your home isn’t damaged. And that food spoilage coverage may be deductible-free.

Did you know that a special, separate policy is required to cover some perils? For example, flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, and coverage limits may or may not provide enough to repair and rebuild your home after flood damage.

These are the kinds of questions you can answer during an annual insurance checkup to keep your policy current and keep you in the know before disaster strikes.

Contact your home insurance company or agent and request a policy review. Ask these questions to make sure you have the right financial resources to rebuild, recover, and bounce back from any disaster.

Coverages – Know the Basics

  1. What type of insurance policy do I have? Is it the right kind for me?
  2. Is my home insured for actual cash value or replacement cost?
  3. If my home is uninhabitable, will my policy provide temporary living expenses? What is the time limit?
  4. What liability coverage limits should I choose?
  5. Are my personal belongings covered? How is the limit established?
  6. Do I need individual policies for high-value personal items? What are some examples?
  7. How do I cover flood losses if they’re not part of my homeowner’s policy?

Deductibles and Claims

  1. What is my deductible? What are my options?
  2. How is a hurricane deductible different? How much savings should I have in reserve to meet my deductible?
  3. What are my responsibilities to prevent further destruction if damage occurs?
  4. What can I do to make processing my claim efficient?
  5. What is the best way to document damage?

Discounts and Incentives

  1. Does my community’s building code affect my rates?
  2. Are discounts available for crime and fire prevention, lightning protection, safety, water loss detection, or wind mitigation?
  3. How can I save on flood insurance?
  4. How can I qualify for policy discounts each year?

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Having the right amount and type of insurance for your car, home, boat, and other high-value possessions will ensure that you will have the money you need to recover after disaster strikes.

Start with A Homeowners Guide to Natural Disasters for an introduction to basic mitigation and policy benefits, limitations, and opportunities to save with credits and discounts.

Then schedule a checkup with your insurance company or agent to ask critical questions like:

  • How do I get insurance for the perils my home faces?
  • What is my deductible?
  • How do I file a claim?

What Type of Insurance Policy Is Right for You?

Different types of insurance policies are available to cover various weather or geophysical perils, such as earthquakes. The most appropriate insurance product for your needs depends primarily on your type of dwelling.

Homeowners: If you own a home, there are two available policy forms: homeowners and dwelling forms. The main difference between these two types of forms is that a homeowners form combines property coverage with liability coverage, while the dwelling form only covers property losses. Additionally, a dwelling form is more commonly used for a dwelling that an insured person owns but does not live in or only lives in for part of the year. Both types of policy forms have various peril coverage options available for the dwelling and its contents.

Manufactured homeowners: There are policy forms specifically designed to insure manufactured homes. This type of policy covers both the dwelling and its contents and provides liability protection.

Condo owners: There are policy forms specifically designed to cover condominiums. This type of policy typically covers contents, such as your personal property and liability. A small amount of dwelling coverage is provided to cover the portions of the condominium that you are responsible for, as defined by the governing rules of the condominium association; this may include condominium common areas. You can purchase additional dwelling coverage if the protection included in the package is insufficient.

Renters: There are renter’s insurance policy forms specifically designed for you if you are renting and do not own your residence. These forms provide coverage for your contents and liability.

Farm homeowners: Farm owner’s policy forms are specifically designed to cover farms or ranches which may not qualify for standard homeowners insurance. This policy may be the most appropriate form to cover property losses to your home and other structures, such as barns and silos, from the damage of tornadoes, hail, and other perils. Farm owner’s policies also cover personal and commercial exposure of farms, along with liability coverage.

Two exceptions worth noting
Earthquake and flood policies typically need to be purchased separately or as additional endorsements to your standard policy, regardless of your dwelling type. The limits of these policies can match the homeowner’s or renter’s policy, or they can be set as separate limits.

Buying Insurance in the Voluntary Market

Generally, insurance may be purchased from property casualty insurance companies through the voluntary market, meaning that the insurance companies voluntarily provide coverage to customers who meet the underwriting requirements. Availability and types of coverage may vary across states and companies, so consumers should research property coverage for specific perils in their area.

There are four main distribution systems employed by property casualty insurance companies in the U.S.:

  • Independent Agency System: Independent contractors who typically represent multiple insurance companies.
  • Exclusive Agency System: Independent contractors who may only represent a single insurance company.
  • Direct Writer System: Sales agents who are employees of the insurance companies.
  • Direct Response System: No agents are used, and insurance is sold through direct mail, telephone, or the Internet.

Buying Insurance in the Shared Market

Involuntary market mechanisms (sometimes referred to as shared markets) provide coverage for entities that do not qualify for coverage in the voluntary market. There are many reasons why coverage may not be available through the voluntary market in a particular place. For example, living in a high-risk area, such as a designated wildfire zone, near a coastline, or in an area affected by a recent catastrophic event may lead to reduced availability of coverage.

The following kinds of property insurance market mechanisms exist in certain areas:

  • Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR Plans): Insurance pools that sell property insurance to people who cannot buy it in the voluntary market because of high risk over which they may have no control. Plans vary by state, but all require property insurers licensed in a state to participate in the pool and share in the profits and losses.
  • Joint Underwriting Associations (JUA): Insurers that join together to provide coverage for a particular type of risk or size of exposure when there are difficulties in obtaining coverage in the regular market, they may share in the profits and losses associated with the program.
  • Beach and Windstorm Plans: These plans exist in coastal states, in hurricane zones of the Gulf, and along the South Atlantic coast. Windstorm plans provide coverage that is often excluded from voluntary insurer policies. Each coastal state from Texas to North Carolina has a beach and windstorm pool to provide windstorm coverage in coastal areas. The way these plans are funded varies from state to state.
  • California Earthquake Authority: Although there is no truly involuntary market mechanism for earthquake coverage, the California Legislature established the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) as a privately financed, publicly managed risk bearer to help California residents obtain earthquake insurance. The CEA is California’s largest residential earthquake insurer.

Market conditions in some states have made it difficult for voluntary insurers to provide affordable coverage. Under those circumstances, coverage may be available through a FAIR plan. If you find that you are unable to obtain insurance through the voluntary market, your insurance agent may help you find coverage through the involuntary market, or you may be able to contact the plans directly. Because these entities vary greatly by locality, your state insurance department is likely the best source of information on how to obtain coverage through the involuntary market in your state.

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Homeowners insurance protects your home and everything in it from accidental and unexpected incidents. If something catastrophic occurs, you will need to provide a list of everything that was in the house, and in some cases, even photographic evidence of valuable possessions.

Here’s how to create a home inventory that will make future insurance claims run smoothly:

1. Plan ahead

  • Creating a home inventory may feel overwhelming, so break it into manageable chunks by capturing one location at a time.
  • Think about each room and section of your home. Don’t forget your attic, basement, closets, garage, and any detached structures, such as tool sheds.
  • Consider asking a family member to help document the items.

2. Pick a method to fit your needs

Visual Inventory

  • A quick, simple way to create your inventory is by using your phone to take photos and videos of belongings, as well as entire rooms, closets, and drawer contents.
  • As you record each space, narrate the description of items (“Brand X television purchased in 2009″). Take a photo of the serial number and label. If you have the receipt, take a photo of it too so that the records are stored together.
  • Regardless of how you capture your inventory, remember to back up the videos and photos on the cloud.

Written Inventory

  • If you prefer a written record, create a spreadsheet or list to catalog your belongings. Be sure to include columns for item descriptions, purchase dates, serial numbers, and any other relevant information.
  • Take photos of your possessions and include them in your spreadsheet. You can also store them on a flash drive.
  • Make copies of the spreadsheet and photo drive and store one copy in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Send additional copies to a trusted relative or friend to ensure you have access when a disaster strikes as you may not be able to get home right away.
  • Scan and store all records electronically and back up on the cloud whenever possible.

3. Track Receipts

For more expensive items, store receipts electronically in a folder backed up to the cloud, on a flash drive, or in a written physical record along with other essential documents in a sealed waterproof bag.

If you are keeping a physical record, keep a copy in your “go bag” in case you have to evacuate.

4. Register goods

Take advantage of all product warranties by registering your new appliances and products. That way you can get helpful information about the product for an insurance claim.

5. Conduct annual checkups

Keep the name, telephone number, email, and web address of your insurance agent and/or company in a safe place, including on your computer or on your phone.

Contact your home insurance company or agent and request a policy review. Use the insurance checkup checklist to make sure you have the right financial resources to rebuild, recover, and bounce back from any disaster.

Update your home inventory regularly and read your insurance policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered (deductibles, general and specific limits, flood coverage, etc.).

If you must evacuate the area, notify your insurance company and verify what your insurance policy will cover for temporary lodging.

More Resources

For more information about insurance, check out A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters for an introduction to mitigation and policy benefits, limitations, and ways to save with credits and discounts.

FLASH and The Actuarial Foundation. If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Covered? A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters.

While adequate insurance coverage is essential to disaster recovery, premiums can present a significant expense for homeowners. Premiums may increase over time with inflation, increased costs of construction, or other factors; however, it is possible to reduce potential costs.

In addition to the premium, you’ll need to account for the deductible — the amount of your claim that you pay before any payment is made by your insurance company. The larger your deductible is, the lower your premium will be. However, the larger the deductible, the more out-of-pocket payment you will be responsible for when a loss occurs.

Dollar deductibles: A dollar deductible is the dollar value the insured must pay before the insurance company will pay the remainder of the claim. For example, with a $500 standard deductible, the policyholder must pay the first $500 out of pocket. Some insurers offer policies with higher dollar deductibles for hurricane and earthquake damage. The higher the deductible for a given policy, the lower the premium. This is because the insured is bearing more of the risk.

Percentage deductibles: Percentage deductibles are calculated based on the home’s insured value. For example, if a house is insured for $100,000 and has a 2% deductible, the first $2,000 (or 2% of the insurance value of $100,000) of a claim must be paid by the policyholder. In many states, policyholders have the option of paying a higher premium if they prefer a traditional dollar deductible instead of a percentage deductible or if they prefer to have a lower percentage deductible. Percentage deductibles are sometimes mandatory. It is important to remember that the dollar value of a percentage deductible will change as the insured value changes.

Here are some options for saving money on your homeowners insurance.

Adjust the Deductible

A policy may have different types and amounts of deductibles based on the peril. Many insurers offer homeowners insurance policies with percentage deductibles for windstorm damage instead of the traditional dollar value deductibles used for other types of claims, such as fire and theft.

One of the more common percentage deductibles is the hurricane percentage deductible that applies to damage solely from hurricanes. For example, a policyholder may have a $1,000 deductible for fire losses, but a 2% deductible for hurricane losses, making the hurricane percentage deductible a significant part of the policy. An earthquake policy with an additional third deductible could differ from all other deductibles for the insured property, as well.

Qualify for Premium Discounts

Premium discounts vary widely by state and company. Secure price quotes from more than one source before choosing a policy, and use the list below to request potential discounts. This list is not exhaustive, so you may qualify for additional discounts.

  • Discounts may be offered when purchasing home and auto insurance from the same insurer.
  • Discounts are typically available for homes with burglar alarms, dead-bolt locks, fire sprinklers, and smoke alarms.
  • Discounts are sometimes available for homes with water detection systems or other telematic devices that transmit home statuses.
  • Discounts may be available for policyholders who are at least 55 years old and retired. Discounts are often available for certain professionals, alumni, and business groups.
  • Long-time customers may be offered insurance discounts.
  • Homes constructed in communities using current, model building codes will typically receive automatic credits on insurance premiums. The community’s Building Code Effectiveness Schedule (BCEGS) rating will indicate the favorability of the code. Lower BCEGS ratings of 1 to 4 are ideal.
  • Homes built or retrofitted with disaster-resistant features for earthquakes, floods, hail, hurricanes, wildfires, or windstorms may be eligible for credits or discounts. Examples of qualifying features include braced cripple walls in seismic zones, elevated foundations for flood protection, hurricane shutters, impact-resistant roof coverings, sealed roof decks, superior roof connections, impact- and wind-resistant garage and entry doors, and more.

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How do you make sure that you can insure your home against disasters like hurricanes and floods? The location of a property can be a primary factor of insurance availability. Homes located in areas with greater exposure to losses due to a particular peril pay a higher cost for coverage than areas less exposed to that peril.

Insurance premiums for homes in the Midwest may reflect a higher cost due to tornado coverage. It may be difficult to find available or affordable coverage in the voluntary market for homes with greater exposure to wildfires, such as those in designated brush zones in California. It is essential to evaluate the insurability of a property before purchasing a new home.

Another factor that affects the availability of insurance is a pending event. For example, if a hurricane or a wildfire is approaching, insurance companies will often issue a temporary prohibition on issuing coverage, and no new coverage can be written in the area threatened by the peril until the threat passes.

Consider possible perils and how they might affect the availability of insurance when you’re shopping for a home or adding coverage to your current property.

Exposure to Earthquakes

Homeowners who live on or near major faults are vulnerable to earthquakes, and the soil type in certain areas may be more susceptible to earthquake damage. As a result, the closer a home is to a fault line, or if it sits on certain susceptible soil types, the more limited insurance options may be because of the risk of earthquake loss.

Recent earthquake activity can also determine earthquake insurance availability. As more earthquakes occur, insurance companies are likely to experience significant claims from earthquakes and may become financially distressed. These companies may find it difficult to provide coverage to the same volume of policyholders which can cause an overall availability problem. In certain areas, state associations are established to ensure insurance availability in constricted markets. These publicly run entities provide insurance coverage when availability and affordability problems arise.

Exposure to Hurricanes

Homes in coastal areas of the U.S. are more exposed to hurricanes than homes further inland. As a result, homeowners in these areas may have fewer choices for hurricane insurance. Frequent storm activity can constrict hurricane insurance availability and markets. As with earthquakes, publicly run entities typically fill gaps in the market and may provide insurance coverage when availability and affordability problems occur.

Home Features

Homeowners can encounter insurance availability problems due to the location of their home as described above. However, if a home has unusually hazardous features, insurance companies may be unwilling to provide coverage regardless of location.

Some of the features considered hazardous include inferior construction, a low-performing roof shape or roof covering, an unbolted frame, an unsecured chimney and/or water heater, or structurally weak features such as awnings or other exterior ornamentation. Additionally, older homes that do not meet current building codes and poorly maintained homes may be difficult to insure.

Ensuring the “Insurability” of Your Home

Homeowners can ensure the insurability of their home by keeping the property current to local and modern model building codes, by performing regular home maintenance, and by implementing loss mitigation measures. Homeowners may also evaluate their insurance options by staying informed of changes in the local insurance marketplace.

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Guaranteeing you’re adequately insured and protected before a disaster is critical. You can start by checking your coverage options, property definitions, and the extent of coverage available. Options will vary by state, company, and product.

Here’s everything you need to know about your choices of home insurance for disasters.

The Four Coverage Categories

Insurance companies define four coverage categories for your home:

  1. Dwelling: The structure of your home is considered a covered property. It is referred to in the policy as the “dwelling.”
  2. Other structures: Structures separate from your home or linked by a fence, wire, or other forms of connection are referred to in the policy as “other structures.” Examples include tool sheds or detached garages.
  3. Personal property: Your belongings and the contents of your home are referred to in the policy as “personal property.” It includes, but is not limited to, appliances, clothing, electronics, and furniture. Not all personal property is covered. Some items may have coverage limits or are covered under different forms of insurance. Examples include, but are not limited to, money, jewelry, and firearms.
  4. Loss of use: When a dwelling becomes uninhabitable due to a covered disaster, the cost of additional living expenses are covered and defined as “loss of use.” Loss of use coverage reimburses living expenses, up to a stated limit, that the insured incurs to maintain a normal standard of living after a covered loss.

“Open Perils” and “Named Perils” Coverage

A peril, as referred to in an insurance policy, is a cause of damage that results in an insured loss of property, such as fire or theft. Coverage can be provided on an “all perils” (open perils) basis or a “named perils” basis. Named perils policies list what is covered by the policy and are generally more restrictive. All perils policies list what is excluded from coverage. A dwelling policy usually provides coverage for both the dwelling and its contents on a named perils basis. A homeowners policy usually provides coverage for the dwelling on an all perils basis and coverage for the contents on a named perils basis.

Package vs. Peril-Specific Coverage

A package policy provides coverage for multiple, but usually not all, perils. A homeowners policy is a package policy that provides coverage for fire, lightning, extended coverages, and personal liability. Extended coverage includes coverage for windstorm, hail, explosion, riot, civil commotion, aircraft, vehicles, smoke, vandalism, malicious mischief, theft, and breakage of glass. Some policies, such as earthquake or flood policies, provide coverage for specific perils that are often excluded in package policies. Fire and water damage from an earthquake may be covered by a standard homeowners policy.

It is important to consider what additional perils you may face and verify what is covered by your specific policy. Consult with your insurance company about perils you may face and what perils are covered by your policy.

Does My Policy Cover That?

  1. Earthquakes: Most property insurance policies exclude coverage for losses resulting from earthquakes (although they often cover losses related to fires following earthquakes), so separate policies are typically required for earthquake coverage. Some states with risk of loss from earthquakes have government-mandated insurance plans that provide earthquake coverage to property owners who are unable to obtain insurance through the voluntary market.
  2. Flood: Most property insurance policies exclude coverage for flood losses. You must purchase a flood policy to be covered for losses caused by a flood. (For a more comprehensive discussion of flood insurance, see Preparing for a Flood.)
  3. Hail: Most property insurance policies provide coverage for losses resulting from hail. Hail is a named peril. For coverage to apply under a “named perils” policy, hail must be listed as a covered peril. However, hail is generally included under the broader peril of windstorm. Windstorm coverage includes hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. There may be instances where coverages and deductibles apply to only one of these perils, for example, hurricanes, and not to all windstorms.
  4. Hurricanes: Most property insurance policies provide coverage for losses resulting from hurricanes under the windstorm coverage, although flood loss associated with hurricanes is excluded. (See Preparing for a Flood for more information.) Most states with risk of loss from hurricanes have government-mandated insurance plans that provide windstorm coverage to property owners who are unable to obtain insurance through the voluntary market.
  5. Tornadoes: Most property insurance policies consider tornadoes a covered peril, although they do not cover losses resulting from the peril of flood. (See Preparing for a Flood for more information.) While tornadoes may not be specifically mentioned as a covered peril, tornado losses are one event covered under the windstorm peril.
  6. Wildfires: All property insurance policies provide coverage for losses resulting from fires. Depending on the level of exposure, you may need to consider a higher deductible to obtain coverage or keep it affordable. Most states have coverage available via a Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan or a Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) if the voluntary market is not willing to provide coverage.

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

Depending on the type of policy, dwelling coverage options could include replacement cost coverage, actual cash value, special payment, functional replacement cost or market value coverage, or stated value.

The settlement of a loss will vary depending on the coverage you select when you purchase your policy.

  1. Replacement cost coverage: Replacement cost is he current cost to replace the damaged property, with no reduction for depreciation of the damaged property. It is not the market value or the tax-assessed value of the property.
  2. Actual cash value: Actual cash value is the cost to replace the damaged property reduced by an allowance for depreciation.
  3. Special payment: Special payment is distributed before a damaged dwelling is repaired, rebuilt, or replaced.
  4. Functional replacement cost or market value coverage: Functional replacement cost or market value (also known as repair cost) is the cost to repair or replace the damaged property with equivalent construction for similar use without deduction for depreciation (e.g., replacing a plaster wall with drywall). If it is a total loss and repairs are not made, the payment amount will be the market value of the home.
  5. Stated value: Stated value coverage is the value of the policy, which is the maximum amount paid at the time of loss, even if the loss amount is larger than the value of the policy. A selected value is established by the insured, and this value is the limit of liability.

Personal Property Coverage Choices

Depending on the type of policy, personal property coverage options could be replacement cost coverage or actual cash coverage, as explained above.

What Is the Insurance-to-Value Ratio?

Insurance-to-value ratio is the relationship of the amount of insurance purchased to the replacement value of the property. It is important to have an accurate assessment of the replacement cost value of your home. If you don’t and then experience a loss, the cost to replace your home may be more than your insurance policy will provide and you would be responsible for covering the difference. Major catastrophes, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires, often can create a demand surge for materials and labor, resulting in increased costs to replace damaged property. Consider the effect of such surges when establishing the appropriate replacement cost for your property.

Most property policies have a coinsurance penalty, which requires that your property be insured to at least 80% of the replacement cost or loss payments will be reduced by a proportion of the insured value to 80% of replacement value.

It is also important to realize that other coverage limits within your policy are set as a percentage of the dwelling coverage amount. For example, the limit of coverage for your personal property will usually be at 50% of the dwelling limit. Additional coverage is available via endorsement and is typically increased if you purchase replacement cost coverage for your contents.

Replacement Cost Coverage

In order to qualify for replacement cost coverage, you will most likely be required to insure your property to at least 80% of the replacement cost. If this requirement is met and you have a total loss, your insurance policy will cover the total cost of replacing your home. If the property is not insured to at least the 80% value, then the payment for partial losses may be reduced. For a total loss to be paid, the property should be insured at 100% of the replacement cost.

Additional Limits in the Case of a Total Loss

Many insurance companies offer an endorsement that provides full coverage to replace your property in the event of a total loss. Usually, the company requires that the property be insured to at least 100% of the replacement cost in order to qualify for this additional coverage. As long as this requirement is met, if you have a total loss and it costs more to replace than your limit (due to a misestimate or demand surge), the coverage under your insurance policy will be increased accordingly. The amount of the increase depends on the endorsement purchased and can range from 25% to 100%.

Additional and Optional Coverage

Additional coverage may be included in your policy. One example is a building code upgrade, which provides 10% coverage for upgrades required by the community to meet building codes when a home is being repaired or rebuilt as a result of a covered loss. Optional coverage for perils, such as earthquake insurance, may be available to purchase to supplement your policy.

More Resources

FLASH and The Actuarial Foundation. If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Covered? A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters.