Vermont is typically a safe and peaceful place to live, but natural disasters can strike when you least expect them. Though they’re rare, perilous events can happen in Vermont, from droughts to severe winter storms.

Even in the safest states, it pays to know what your

homeowners

insurance policy does and does not cover. For example, standard policies typically cover many natural disasters, including wind and hail damage, but they don’t cover flooding or earthquakes.

Do you know which natural disasters are most common in

Vermont

—and which your insurance policy covers? In this article, insurance comparison app

Jerry

will tell you everything you need to know about natural disasters and homeowners insurance in the Green Mountain State.

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What is homeowners insurance—and what does it cover?

Homeowners insurance helps pay for repairs to your home and possessions if they are damaged by certain perils, such as fire and wind. It may also cover expenses if another person gets injured in your home or damages their property.

It’s also important to understand what natural disasters your homeowners insurance covers. These are the different types of policies and what they include:

Levels of homeowners insurance coverage

HO-1: the most basic of homeowners policies, an HO-1 only covers your home at its actual cash value. Personal belongings are sometimes included, but this is not typically the case.

HO-2: the next step up, HO-2 insurance provides coverage for a wider variety of perils than an HO-1. In addition, your home is covered at replacement cost and personal belongings are covered at cash value.

HO-3: the most common type of homeowners insurance, an HO-3 covers everything listed above, plus liability insurance and medical coverage for third parties injured on your property.

HO-4: intended for renters, an HO-4 policy only covers personal property at replacement cost. Damage caused by natural disasters, such as wildfire or wind, may be included in that coverage.

HO-5: sometimes called a comprehensive or “open perils” insurance policy, an HO-5 offers the best protection for your home. It is similar to an HO-3, but both your home and personal belongings are covered at replacement cost.

Here’s the information presented in another way:

Policy type	What’s covered	Open perils?
HO-1	Main structure only	Named perils only
HO-2	Main structure, personal property, loss of use, liability, medical payments	Named perils only
HO-3	Main structure, personal property, loss of use, liability, medical payments	Main structure—open perils, personal property—listed perils only
HO-5	Main structure, personal property, loss of use, liability, medical payments	Yes

MORE: What is coverage C on homeowners insurance?

What perils are covered by homeowners insurance?

No matter where you live, it’s vital to understand which perils your homeowners insurance policy covers—and which it doesn’t. Your policy may vary, but most cover the following named perils:

Hail and windstorms

Fire and lightning

Smoke

Explosions

Volcanic eruption

Damage caused by vehicles

Damage caused by aircraft

Vandalism

Theft or malicious mischief

Riot or civil commotion

Weight of snow, ice, or sleet

Water overflow or discharge from plumbing

Frozen pipes

Water heater cracking

Falling objects

Damage from electrical currents

Notice that the standard list of covered perils does not mention floods and earthquakes. A normal homeowners policy will not pay for damages resulting from them—you’ll need separate flood and earthquake insurance.

Key Takeaway Not all homeowners policies are created equal. Check out the fine print and find out what natural disasters are covered and excluded by yours.

Does home insurance cover natural disasters in Vermont?

Vermont homeowners deal with an average of two declared disasters every year, usually between June and August. A standard homeowners insurance policy covers many, but not all, of the hazards the state faces.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes don’t often make landfall in New England, but it can be devastating when they do. Hurricane Irene, for example, caused floods that swept away hundreds of homes and businesses, cars, bridges, and roads in 2011.

If your home lies in a Vermont floodplain, your best bet is to purchase a flood insurance policy. While it is possible to get flood insurance through a private broker, many homeowners use the

National Flood Insurance Program

(NFIP), backed by FEMA.

MORE: How to prepare your car for a hurricane

Floods

Almost everyone in Vermont lives in a flood zone. The state has experienced flooding every year since 2007.

That being said, risks run from high to low. In general, residents living along the state's many rivers suffer the most—and experts say that as global temperatures continue to warm, flooding will become more frequent.

Again, if your home is at risk of damage, you may want to consider flood insurance. While government assistance is often limited after a flood, FEMA’s

Individuals and Households Program

(IHP) may provide help after a major disaster or emergency, if you qualify.

MORE: How much does flood insurance cost?

Winter storms

With average winter temperatures ranging from 22°F down to 2°F, it’s not surprising that Vermont experiences harsh winter storms.

However, you might be surprised to learn that the state receives a whopping 89 inches of snow a year—more than any other state.

In addition to snow, freezing rain, sleet, and high winds also occur in the colder months, leading to damaged property, power outages, and more.

Most homeowners policies will cover damage from winter storms, except for flooding caused by melting snow and ice.

MORE: Tips for safe winter car storage

Landslides

High mountains and unstable soil create the perfect recipe for landslides and rockfalls. And since there are 67 mountains and peaks in Vermont, the potential for such an event is sizable.

One of the most significant landslides in Vermont history occurred in 2019, wiping out 12 acres in the Mt. Mansfield State Forest.

Luckily, this landslide was on public land and didn’t impact any homes—but what if it had? Unfortunately, most insurance policies do not cover landslides, as they are considered “earth or ground movements.” The only way to get coverage is to purchase a separate Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy.

MORE: Landslide insurance, explained

Severe storms

Severe storms are one of Vermont’s main weather hazards, and they’re only expected to get worse. According to the

Vermont Department of Health

, annual precipitation has increased by seven inches since 1965.

In addition to heavy rains, these storms often come with strong winds, lightning, and occasional hail.

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers damage from most storm damage minus ensuing flooding.

MORE: Does homeowners insurance cover a lightning strike?

Wildfires

Compared to some other states, Vermont doesn’t have a significant number of wildfires—just around 200-400 per year, with an average size of 1.5 acres. Nearly half of these fires are started by uncontained debris burning.

Most fires in Vermont occur in the spring, fueled by low relative humidity and gusty winds. Low areas and southern-facing slopes are at the greatest risk.

Fortunately, Vermont wildfires never tend to get very far, but if they do, your homeowners insurance should have you covered. So, if your belongings are damaged or destroyed in a fire, insurance will likely replace them.

Key Takeaway Vermont residents have it a little easier than some other homeowners, but they still need to worry about natural disasters. From winter storms to fire, it’s important to make sure your homeowners policy has you covered or purchase supplementary coverage.

MORE: When is liability coverage included in a homeowners policy?

How to file a home insurance claim

If you need to file a home insurance claim after a natural disaster, the process is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Take photographs of any damaged structures or possessions.

Tell your insurance company that you want to submit a claim. An adjuster will review the evidence.

Put together a list of what you paid for each item—it helps if you have receipts.

Complete any paperwork required by your insurer.

Go over the damage with the adjuster and be as thorough as possible.

Get repair estimates from local shops—your insurance provider may give you a list of suggested vendors.

Collect your check and begin repairs.

Filing a claim is a lot easier when you know how the process works. Take the time now to familiarize yourself with procedures so you can work through things quickly when necessary.

How to save money on homeowners and car insurance

Saving on car and homeowners insurance is possible—even in disaster-prone areas.

Jerry

can help you save by bundling your policies and finding you the best rate available.

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They can even help cancel your old policy upon request!

Why do all the extra work when Jerry can do it better?

“Jerry handles everything from finding quotes to signing on new policies right in the app. No more filling out hundreds of forms! Thank you, Jerry, for helping my move to a new state feel hassle-free.” —Dolores T.