Which building insurance covers storm damage?
Short answer. The dwelling or building coverage in a standard homeowners policy covers storm damage to the house, including the roof, from wind, hail, lightning, falling trees and ice. Which policy pays depends on the property: an HO-3 or HO-5 for owner occupied houses, a condo association's master policy plus your HO-6 for condos, and a DP-3 dwelling policy for rentals.
The common policy forms
- HO-3: the most common homeowners form. The dwelling is covered on an open perils basis, meaning anything not excluded. Storm damage is covered; flood and wear are excluded.
- HO-5: broader, with open perils coverage for belongings too. Storm coverage for the house is similar to an HO-3.
- HO-6 (condo): covers your unit's interior and your belongings. The roof and exterior are usually the association's responsibility under its master policy. Check your association documents.
- DP-3 (rental dwelling): covers a house you rent out. The landlord's policy covers the building; tenants need renters insurance for their belongings.
- Townhomes: depends on the association's documents; some owners insure their own roof, some do not.
Parts of a policy that respond to storms
- Dwelling (Coverage A): the house and attached structures, including the roof.
- Other structures (Coverage B): fences, sheds, detached garages.
- Personal property (Coverage C): belongings damaged by rain through a storm opening.
- Loss of use (Coverage D): living expenses if the home is unlivable.
What none of them cover
Flood and surface water, earth movement, and wear and tear. Flood needs its own policy.
For the roof specifically, see roof replacement coverage and ACV vs RCV.