What Storm Damage Is Not Covered by Insurance?
Last updated October 31, 2026
The short answer
Flood Damage Needs a Separate Policy
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. This includes water that rises from the ground, overflows a river, or surges from the ocean during a coastal storm. Heavy rain anywhere can cause rapid runoff and lead to flooding. To be protected, you need a separate flood insurance policy, which has its own rules and waiting periods.
Earth Movement and Landslides
Damage caused by earth movement is generally excluded. This includes landslides, mudflows, and sinkholes, even if triggered by a storm. If heavy rain saturates a hillside and causes a mudslide, the damage to your home's foundation or structure is typically not covered. A separate earth movement endorsement may be needed, but it is often difficult to obtain and expensive. The force of moving earth can crack foundations and shift entire structures.
Maintenance Problems and Gradual Damage
Insurance is for sudden, accidental events, not for neglect. If a storm reveals a pre-existing leak from a worn-out roof or damaged siding, the resulting water damage may be denied. Insurers expect you to maintain your property. They often cite wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or faulty maintenance as reasons to deny a claim for storm-related interior damage. Regular inspections can help identify these vulnerabilities before a storm hits.
- Missing or damaged roof shingles from prior wear.
- Cracked or clogged gutters that overflow during rain.
- Failing window seals or caulking that let water seep in.
- Deteriorated flashing around chimneys or vents.
- Soil erosion around the foundation from poor drainage.
- Old, brittle plumbing lines that burst under pressure.
Sewer and Drain Backup Exclusions
Many standard policies do not cover damage from sewer or drain backups. A severe storm can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, causing wastewater to back up into your home through floor drains or toilets. This type of damage is often excluded unless you have purchased a specific backup endorsement. The cleanup involves hazardous materials and requires specialized restoration. This water is considered contaminated and poses health risks.
Wind-Driven Rain Through an Opening
If wind blows rain through an open window or door, the resulting water damage may not be covered. Insurance typically requires the storm to create an opening, like breaking a window, for interior damage to be covered. If you left a window open or a door unsecured, the insurer could argue the damage was preventable and deny the claim. Always secure your home when a storm is forecast. Check all potential entry points for gaps or weaknesses.
- An unlatched or broken window left slightly ajar.
- An open garage door or exterior access door.
- A damaged or missing attic vent cover.
- A pet door that is not properly sealed.
- A pre-existing crack in an exterior wall.
- Loose or missing weatherstripping around doors.
Water damage does not wait
Call (253) 785-9361 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (253) 785-9361Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover mold from a storm?
If the mold results from a covered water loss, like a sudden roof leak from a fallen tree, the removal may be covered. However, if the mold grows due to excluded flood water or long-term moisture from poor maintenance, coverage is unlikely. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
What if a tree from my neighbor's property falls on my house?
In most cases, your own homeowners insurance covers the damage to your home, regardless of where the tree came from. Your policy would respond first. You would pay your deductible. Your insurer might later seek reimbursement from your neighbor's insurer if negligence, like a known dead tree, can be proven.
How can I prepare for a storm claim?
Document your home's condition before storm season with photos and videos. After damage occurs, take pictures before making temporary repairs. Keep all receipts for materials used for those repairs. Review your policy's declarations page to understand your coverage limits and deductibles. Contact your insurance company to start the claims process promptly.