Question 1

Does standard homeowners insurance cover tornado damage in Omaha?

Accepted Answer

Yes, standard homeowners insurance in Omaha covers tornado damage under windstorm coverage, which is typically included in your policy. This covers structural damage to your home, personal property loss, debris removal, and additional living expenses if your home becomes unlivable. However, you should verify that your policy includes windstorm coverage and check whether you have a separate wind and hail deductible.

Question 2

What's the difference between a wind deductible and a regular deductible?

Accepted Answer

A wind or wind and hail deductible is typically calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value (often 1% to 5%) rather than a flat dollar amount. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% wind deductible, you'll pay the first $6,000 of tornado damage yourself. This is usually much higher than standard deductibles, which might be $500 to $2,500.

Question 3

Will my homeowners insurance cover flooding that happens during a tornado?

Accepted Answer

No, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage even if the flooding occurs during a tornado. Wind damage from the tornado is covered, but any damage caused by rising water requires a separate flood insurance policy. If you live near creeks, rivers, or known flood zones in Omaha, you should purchase flood insurance separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.

Question 4

How much does a tornado safe room cost in Nebraska?

Accepted Answer

Tornado safe rooms in Nebraska typically cost between $3,500 and $15,000 installed, depending on size and whether you choose above-ground or underground installation. However, Nebraska's Residential Tornado Safe Room Program offers homeowners up to 75% reimbursement of the installation cost for FEMA-approved safe rooms. This means a $10,000 safe room could cost you as little as $2,500 after reimbursement, though you must pay upfront and then apply for reimbursement.

Question 5

When is tornado season in Omaha?

Accepted Answer

Peak tornado season in Omaha and throughout Nebraska runs from May through July, with the highest concentration of tornadoes occurring during these months. However, tornadoes can occur any time from March through November in Nebraska. The state averages about 55 tornadoes per year, making preparedness important throughout the spring, summer, and early fall months.

Question 6

Can installing a safe room lower my homeowners insurance premium?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, yes. Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with FEMA-approved safe rooms or other fortification measures because they reduce risk of injury and demonstrate proactive risk management. The discount varies by insurer, so you should contact your insurance agent directly to ask about available discounts for tornado shelters or safe rooms before making the investment.

Insurance Agents in Omaha, Nebraska (NE)

Insurance agencies serving Omaha

Omaha Insurance Services, Inc.

Oracle Insurance - Bob Puetz, Partner Agent

Insurance Agents in Omaha, Nebraska (NE)

Insurance agencies serving Omaha

Omaha Insurance Services, Inc.

Oracle Insurance - Bob Puetz, Partner Agent

Paisano Insurance

PIC Group USA

Professional Insurance Agents NE IA

Protectors Insurance

Ringwalt & Liesche Co

Sommelier Insurance Group

Strategic Benefits - Health Insurance Agency

Strategic Benefits - Health Insurance Agency

Insurance Guides for Omaha

Tornado Insurance in Omaha

Flood Insurance in Omaha

Home Insurance in Omaha

Homeowners Insurance Costs in Omaha

Auto Insurance in Omaha

Car Insurance in Omaha

Frequently asked questions