Connecticut Home Insurance: What Storm Coverage Actually Means

Wind damage: usually covered, with a catch

Standard homeowners policies cover wind damage — shingles torn off, siding ripped away, a tree on the roof. The catch is the deductible: many Connecticut policies now carry a separate named-storm or hurricane deductible, often 1–5% of your home's insured value instead of a flat amount. On a $400,000 home, a 2% named-storm deductible means $8,000 out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Check this before storm season, not during it.

Water: the line that changes everything

The distinction that causes the most heartbreak: wind-driven rain entering through storm damage is generally covered. Rising water is not. If a nor'easter tears off your roof and rain soaks the attic, you're typically covered. But storm surge, overflowing rivers, flash flooding — that's flood damage, excluded entirely from standard homeowners policies. Flood insurance is a separate policy. If you live near the water or in a low-lying area, this is the gap that ruins people financially.

Ice dams, frozen pipes, and winter's greatest hits

• Ice dams — most policies cover resulting interior water damage; roof coverage can be limited.
• Frozen and burst pipes — generally covered, but the home must have been heated.
• Weight of snow and ice — a standard covered peril.

What's almost never covered

• Wear and tear — a 25-year-old roof may get reduced payout or denial.
• Sewer backup — excluded unless you add the (inexpensive) endorsement.
• Landscaping — the policy may remove the fallen tree, not replace it.

What to do this week

• Check your deductibles — any separate named-storm percentage?
• Look for the flood exclusion — near water? Ask about flood insurance.
• Ask about sewer backup coverage, especially with a finished basement.
• Photograph your home's exterior and belongings into the cloud.