5 Potential Risks Covered by Natural Diaster Insurance
Mother Nature can wreak havoc on your business anytime and anywhere. While some areas may be more prone to certain events than others, no matter where you are, there’s always a risk of a natural disaster. Because many of these occurrences can be catastrophic, there are often exclusions for them in standard business policies. Buying natural disaster insurance can provide additional protection. Here are 5 potential risks covered by natural disaster insurance:
1. Fire
Risk Factor
Wildfires and forest fires are considered natural disasters, but most are caused by the actions of humans. Residential and commercial fires often get separated from this category, but they can be disastrous nonetheless. Regardless of whether a fire is widespread, as in the case of a wildfire, or localized, fires can cause extensive damage to a building in a matter of minutes.
Solution
The costs to clean up and repair damage caused by fire add up very quickly. As a building owner, you must be sure your building is insured properly against fire damage. Your insurance needs can change based on whether your building is residential only, mixed use, or commercial only. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, inquire about additional coverage.
2. Wind
Risk Factor
Some windstorms can produce wind speeds as high as 200 miles per hour. This can result in extensive damage to a building, particularly to the roof. Damages caused by wind may not be covered under a standard insurance policy or the coverage may not be adequate.
Solution
Many insurers impose a windstorm deductible, which can be a flat amount or a percentage as high as 5% of the total insured value of the property. Most coastal locations have a high wind and hail exposure and, therefore, policies in those locations typically include large wind deductibles. Separate wind deductible buypack policies can be purchased that will lower the deductible to as little as $5,000.
3. Flood
Risk Factor
Floods can cause extensive damage to your property. Even one inch of water can lead to many thousands of dollars of damage. Water damage is considered to be the result of a flood if it comes from the overflow of a natural body of water, but it can also include heavy rain that seeps into the building.
Solution
Flood insurance is typically not included in a commercial property insurance policy, but can generally be added by endorsement as long as the property is not in a high risk flood zone. If coverage is excluded from the policy, you should look into the cost to add it. If your property is in a high-risk flood zone, you will need to obtain a standalone policy. In either case, it’s important to have coverage.
4. Water Backup
Risk Factor
Backup of a sewer or drain can cause damage to not only the unit it starts in, but other units as well. Water damage caused by a backup would not be considered flood water. The cleanup and repair of drain and sewer backups can become even more costly if the water contains hazardous waste.
Solution
Water can back up in sewers, drains, and sump pumps for a variety of reasons. However, typical property policies do not cover the costs of cleanup and repair. Water backup insurance can provide the protection you need for your building.
5. Earthquake
Risk Factor
The United States Geological Survey estimates we have about 20,000 earthquakes per year. Thankfully, most of them are small. Some believe that earthquakes only occur in certain areas of the country, but the fact is that in the last 120 years, there have been earthquakes recorded in 39 states.
Solution
Earthquakes can cause extensive damage to your property. The cost to clean up and repair damage can become very expensive very quickly. Damage caused by volcanic eruptions can also be included in earthquake policies.
Get coverage today!
The Satanoff Agency is an independent insurance agency based in 41 states across the United States, working to supply our customers with quality assistance and insurance. Our independent agents offer their services to help you as the customer get the unique coverage you need.
To request a quote for natural disaster insurance, click here and we will have one of our agents contact you.
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