Does homeowners insurance cover landslides?
A home is usually the most expensive single purchase a person will make in their lifetime. Given the high cost of a home, any prudent homeowner will take precautions to protect their investment. Unfortunately, some events are out of our hands. When a natural disaster strikes, there is little we can do to prevent the devastation it causes.
Landslides are just one of the natural disasters that can cause significant damage to your home. They occur when earth, rock, or debris moves downward on sloped land. Landslides can occur anywhere in the United States and cause between 25 and 50 deaths per year. These natural disasters also cause an estimated $3.5 billion in damages per year in the United States. Knowing whether your homeowners insurance policy covers landslides before a disaster occurs is critical to protecting your home.
Does homeowners insurance cover landslides?
A standard homeowners insurance policy protects your home against specific types of losses, but it does not cover landslides, mudslides, or other types of earth movement. Most insurance companies cover common perils like fire, theft, and wind damage. In addition to the standard coverages, some companies provide endorsements and additional insurance for items that are not automatically covered. However, every company is unique, and some may provide more or fewer coverage options than others. What most businesses exclude is something they all have in common.
A standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover many natural disasters. Even property insurance companies that provide endorsements do not provide one for landslides. These losses can be costly because the damage is often extensive and affects a large number of people at the same time. If an insurance company assumed those risks, it could raise all homeowners' premiums to account for potentially paying out large landslide claims.
Although your standard homeowners policy will not provide coverage, there is a way to be protected against landslide losses.
What kind of insurance covers landslides?
Although a standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover landslides, certain types of insurance may be available. For example, you may be able to add an earthquake endorsement to your existing policy or purchase a separate earthquake policy to cover damage from an earthquake that causes a landslide to your home.
A difference in conditions (DIC) policy is another possibility. A DIC policy covers specific perils that are not covered by a standard policy. This type of policy may include coverage for the following perils:
- Earthquake
- Flood
- Landslide
- Mudslide
- Earth tremors
However, because these policies are considered a specialty lines product, they are not available from all insurance companies. If you are interested in a DIC policy or want to know if it is the right choice for your home, you should contact your insurance agent to learn more.
How do I prepare for a landslide?
A landslide can cause major problems for homeowners, but you can take precautions ahead of time. Staying aware of your surroundings can help you prepare so that you are not caught off guard by a potential landslide. Here are some tips for preparing for a landslide:
- Avoid areas prone to landslides. Avoid dwellings or structures near steep slopes or mountain peaks. These are typically the first areas to be affected by landslides.
- Understand the history of your house. Landslides typically occur in areas where they have previously occurred. To find out if you live in a landslide-prone area, look around your neighborhood or contact local officials for geology records.
- Keep an eye on the water drain. Keep an eye out for trends and increases in runoff water. If you notice water starting to converge, you should avoid that area during a landslide.
- Have an emergency plan in place. Make a family emergency plan in case of a landslide. Go over it with everyone in the household so that everyone knows where to meet and what to do. Make a meeting place outside of the house. Take the time to learn about your area's emergency and evacuation plans as well.
What should I do during a landslide?
If a landslide is predicted near you, or if you notice earth movement that could lead to a landslide, take the following precautions to keep your family safe:
- Maintain an open connection. Landslides, like any other natural disaster, can cause you to lose power. A wind-up or battery-powered radio may be useful for staying connected and aware of what is going on around you. You can use the radio to monitor weather conditions or to assess your family's risk and, if necessary, evacuate.
- Evacuate if directed. Having your radio nearby will also assist you in receiving evacuation orders. Follow the designated evacuation routes to get your family to safety.
- Maintain vigilance at all times. Keep an eye out for weather events that could cause a landslide or other major disaster. One option is to sleep in shifts so that someone is always awake, alert, and ready to respond if evacuation orders are issued.
- Get to a higher elevation. If you live in a valley or near sea level, you may be able to avoid landslide damage by moving to a higher elevation.
- Pay attention to nearby bodies of water. Streams and rivers can indicate the presence of a landslide. If the flow of a stream or river increases quickly, or the water becomes murky, it may be time to seek higher ground until the threat passes.