If you’ve ever seen a disaster movie, you know the destruction caused by catastrophes like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes can be horrible. But the movie industry is dramatizing these disasters, right? While Hollywood certainly does turn things up a notch, you might be surprised to learn that catastrophes cost the U.S. an average of $80.7 billion per year (via NOAA).
From rising floodwaters to shaking foundations from earthquakes, catastrophes are unfortunate occurrences that every homeowner needs to prepare for (especially those who live in higher-risk areas). And even though your home insurance covers a lot, it doesn’t cover every catastrophe known to man. To ease those repair costs, you’ll need specific catastrophic insurance coverage.
Catastrophe insurance is a type of insurance add-on (also called a rider) that protects you and your home from natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes and sinkholes. It also includes protection from human-made disasters such as rioting, terrorist attacks and explosions. Many of these disasters aren’t included in traditional home insurance policies and require their own insurance rider for adequate protection.
Personal catastrophe insurance (also known as personal umbrella insurance) doesn’t have to do with specific catastrophes per se; it provides additional liability coverage from various incidents. This can be added to your homeowners or auto insurance policies and will protect you and your family from having to pay for health care costs in the event they injure someone else.
There are many catastrophes that you won’t be covered for under your traditional home insurance coverage, meaning you may need to purchase add-ons to ensure you have the protection you need. Catastrophe insurance is an umbrella term for a variety of riders that help fill in the gaps of your home insurance policy, including the types of storms that are covered and the policy limits for all covered events (meaning you get more protection and pay less out of pocket). You can get individual riders for many catastrophes, including:
Of course, some of the above are much more frequent than others. And suppose you live in an area where the risk is high. In that case, your state government may even require you to purchase a separate catastrophe policy to better prepare you in the event of a natural disaster. Common locations that require extra coverage include anywhere on the coast, tornado alley and earthquake belts.
Though similarly named, catastrophe and hazard insurance are actually quite different. Hazard insurance usually refers to just natural disasters and may already be included in your home insurance policy. Catastrophic coverage, on the other hand, provides both human-made and natural disaster protection and is generally offered as an individual endorsement.
In addition to comprehensive insurance, there are some other steps you can take to make sure your home is protected from major storms. From keeping up with home maintenance to replacing broken shingles on your roof, the following tips are recommended for all homeowners to minimize the damage you can see even during a moderate storm.
Adding these tasks to your to-do lists is not only important during hurricane and tornado season, but all year long. Since home insurance companies tend to reward those who take proactive steps to mitigate damage, updating your home to better defend against storms can help you save big on your policy over time.
Though you don’t need to worry about a Hollywood-style tsunami heading your way anytime soon, speaking with home insurance experts about a catastrophic plan for your home is always a smart idea. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into everything you should know about total home protection, check out our learn center for the latest industry insights and advice.
Save up to 25%*
Get a quote in 60 seconds.
Smart insurance coverage for your modern lifestyle.
Get Instant Quote *Estimated premium savings based on state rate comparisons of Hippo's prices as compared to average industry price.Ask away—we’re here to help.
(877) 838-8866[email protected]We are here from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, 7 days a week.
(800) 585-0705[email protected]We are here continuously from 6:30 a.m. CT on Monday until 7 p.m. CT on Friday. Translators available.
(855) 999-9746[email protected]Contact us to file a claim. We’re here 24/7.
(650) 426-0546[email protected]We are here Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT
(800) 585-0705 Opt #3[email protected]We are here Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT
hippohomecare.comDo you have a home repair or maintenance need? Hippo Home Care can help.