Storm Damage

Storm season in the Pacific Northwest: What your insurance does and doesn't cover

Fall and winter storms regularly bring high winds and heavy rain to the Pacific Northwest, often leaving behind damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. Understanding your insurance coverage before the next storm rolls in can save time, money, and stress.

Below is a simple guide to what’s typically covered and what requires extra protection.

Safety First

Downed power lines can be deadly. Stay at least 30 feet away, and never drive over a downed line. Call 911 right away to report any fallen lines, especially those sparking, causing fires, or touching an occupied vehicle.

For more electrical safety tips, visit Snohomish County PUD’s website.

Home & Business Insurance: What’s Covered

Wind Damage

Most standard homeowners and business insurance policies cover wind-related damage, including:

• Roof, window, or siding damage
• Trees or limbs falling onto buildings or detached structures

Coverage applies whether the tree falls from your yard or a neighbor’s.

What’s Not Covered: Flooding & Landslides

Flooding

Standard homeowners, renters, and business policies do not cover flooding.

To protect your property, you’ll need to purchase Flood Insurance separately through:

• The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• A participating insurer or private flood carrier

Keep in mind: NFIP policies typically require a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.

Landslides

Heavy rain can trigger landslides throughout the Pacific Northwest, but damage from earth movement is excluded from standard policies.

Protection requires a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy, usually purchased through a specialty lines broker as a stand-alone product.

Auto Insurance: Coverage Depends on Your Policy

Damage to your vehicle from wind, falling trees, flooding, or landslides is covered only if you carry Comprehensive or Collision coverage. Liability-only policies do not cover repairs to your own vehicle.

If Your Home Is Damaged in a Storm

• Contact your insurance company or agent promptly to report the damage and start the claims process.
• Make temporary repairs, if safe to do so, to prevent further damage.
• Vet contractors carefully:
  • Confirm they are licensed and bonded in your state.
  • Check reviews with the Better Business Bureau or trusted online rating services.
  • Avoid signing contracts you haven’t fully reviewed.
  • Do not pay in full up front — wait until work is completed to your satisfaction

If Your Vehicle Is Damaged

Notify your insurer or agent as soon as possible. Providing smartphone photos of the damage can help speed up your claim.

Don’t Forget About Deductibles

Even when your policy covers a loss, you’ll still pay the deductible, or the amount you’re responsible for out of pocket before insurance pays for covered damage. Deductibles can work differently depending on the type of policy you have.

For homeowners policies, your deductible may be:

• A flat dollar amount (for example, $1,000), or
• A percentage of your home’s insured value, especially for wind or other weather-related losses

For auto insurance, deductibles apply only to certain coverages:

• Comprehensive (for damage from falling trees, flood, theft, etc.)
• Collision (for crash-related damage)

If you file a claim under either of these, you pay your deductible first, and your insurer covers the remaining repair costs. If you’re unsure what your deductible is or how it would apply in a storm-related claim, now is a great time to review your policy or contact your insurance agent.

Plan Ahead for the Next Storm

The NW Insurance Council encourages everyone to review their insurance coverage now, before the next severe weather event. A quick conversation with your insurance representative can ensure your property and belongings are properly protected.