The Insurance Information Network of California answers some frequently asked questions about what is covered on you homeowners’ insurance policy. Read up as the storms keep rolling in!

Q: Storm caused a tree to fall on my home. Does my homeowner insurance policy cover the damage?

A: Yes. The damage to your home would be covered, and most policies also cover between $500 and $1,000 for tree removal. If the tree fell into your yard and did not damage your home then the tree removal typically would be your own responsibility.

Q: Rising water flooded my home.  Am I covered?

A: Yes, if you have flood insurance. However, a standard homeowner’s policy does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is typically available from your agent through the National Flood Insurance Program.  Keep in mind that it takes 30 days from the time you purchase the policy for it to take effect.  The standard homeowner policy covers damage from water that falls from the sky (rain, sleet, snow and hail), but a flood policy covers damage from rising water.

Q: How and when would water damage from clogged drains be covered?

A: Water drains inside the home that become clogged and cause water damage would be covered, up to the limit specified in the policy. Drains on the street or outside of the home that get clogged and cause flooding damage would only be covered if the homeowner had a flood policy.

Q: A hill collapsed and slid into my home.  Does my homeowner insurance policy cover this damage?

A: No.  Landslides and mudslides are not covered by either homeowner or flood insurance policies.

Q: Would storm damage to my home other than flooding be covered – broken roofs or windows – with a standard policy in such a storm?

A: The standard homeowner policy would also cover storm damage, other than flooding. This would include a tree falling on your home, rain that broke through your roof and caused water damage, wind that blew out windows or doors and caused damage and even a lightning strike that caused damage.