Hurricane insurance: Do you have it? Need it? Six things to know.

As hurricane Irene heads for the East Coast, here are answers to six key questions about insurance.

4. What isn’t covered by flood insurance?

Carlos Barria / Reuters / File
A resident walks next to a damage house after hurricane Ike hit the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 15, 2008. Flood insurance doesn't cover damage to yards or personal property outside, such as fences and cars.

Flood insurance doesn’t apply to all the losses you might incur from a hurricane, including some items of high value. So if a storm surge sweeps your stock certificates, money, or precious metals out to sea, they won't be covered. Also, insurance doesn’t cover damage to your yard or structures in it, such as decks, fences, or swimming pools. A flood insurance policy won’t cover living expenses either, if you have to pay for temporary housing.

4 of 6
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us