Stormy weather: what does your homeowners insurance cover?

EUGENE, Ore. - Toppled trees and downed power lines: that's just some of the mess created from a powerful series of storms blowing through the Willamette Valley.

And all the mess is wreaking havoc on some homeowners. Normally, homeowners insurance policies only cover damage done by wind, lightning and water damage from driving rain.

According to Eugene-based State Farm Insurance agent Rob Olive, agents often gets questions regarding trees falling on property or homes.

"If a tree falls on my house, regardless of if it is on my property or my neighbors property, my homeowners insurance policy, in most cases would be the one that would cover it," he said.

But, Olive said, flooding is a different story. It is not standard on homeowners insurance policies.
   
State climatologists are predicting a cold, wet winter this year, and Olive said many homeowners are taking extra precautions. "People are buying flood insurance who aren't required to do so by their mortgagee," he said. "That's the first time I can remember that happening."
    
Flood policies cover both the contents inside the home and the home itself.
    
Even though flooding doesn't occur too often, Olive said it's always better to be safe than sorry. He said insurance agents offer flood policies through the National Flood Insurance Program. They can determine the level of coverage for your home based on a number of factors including the value and location of someones home.

Olive said if you live in a flood hazard area, your mortgage company already requires you to purchase flood insurance.