If you live in Indiana, you've probably heard the tornado sirens go off at least once. Maybe you've sheltered in your basement while the sky turned green, or watched the news coverage of tornado damage in neighboring towns. Here's what might surprise you: 2024 was an exceptionally active year for tornadoes in Indiana, with 59 confirmed tornadoes—more than double the state's historical average. That makes understanding your tornado insurance coverage more important than ever.
The good news? You probably already have tornado coverage. The confusing part? Understanding exactly what's covered, how deductibles work, and what steps to take if disaster strikes. Let's break it down in plain English.
Do You Need Separate Tornado Insurance in Indiana?
Here's the short answer: no. Unlike flood insurance, which requires a separate policy, tornado damage is covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy. Tornadoes fall under what insurers call "windstorm" or "wind and hail" coverage, which is automatically included in most homeowners policies.
Your standard policy covers four main areas when a tornado strikes. First, there's dwelling coverage, which handles damage to your home's structure—the roof, walls, windows, and anything attached to the house. Second, personal property coverage protects your belongings inside the home, from your furniture and electronics to your clothing and appliances. Third, other structures coverage extends protection to detached garages, sheds, barns, and fences on your property. Finally, additional living expenses coverage pays for hotel stays or temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable while repairs are underway.
If you're a renter, your renters insurance policy also covers tornado damage to your personal belongings and provides liability protection. And if your car gets damaged by a tornado, the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy will cover vehicle repairs or replacement.
Understanding Your Deductible
This is where things get tricky, and where many Indiana homeowners get surprised when filing a tornado claim. Your policy likely has two different deductibles: a standard deductible and a separate wind/hail deductible. That wind/hail deductible is what applies to tornado damage.
Standard deductibles are usually a flat dollar amount—think $500, $1,000, or $2,500. Wind/hail deductibles, however, are often calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value, typically ranging from 1% to 5%. Here's why that matters: if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% wind/hail deductible, you'll pay the first $6,000 of tornado damage out of pocket before insurance kicks in. That's a lot different from a $1,000 flat deductible.
Pull out your policy documents right now and check what your wind/hail deductible is. If you're not sure, call your insurance agent and ask. This is one of those things you want to know before a tornado warning pops up on your phone.
What's Not Covered: The Flood Exception
Here's a critical gap in coverage that catches people off guard: flood damage caused by tornadoes is not covered under standard homeowners insurance. If a tornado damages your roof and rain pours in, that's covered. But if a tornado causes a nearby river to overflow and flood your home, or if storm surge pushes water into your basement, that's flood damage—and your homeowners policy won't pay for it.
This is why many Indiana homeowners also carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers. Given that Indiana experienced 64 flooding or heavy rain events in 2024, flood coverage is worth considering even if you don't live in a designated flood zone.
Filing a Tornado Insurance Claim: What to Do Right Now
If a tornado damages your property, time is critical. Most insurance policies require you to notify your insurer within a specific timeframe—often within 24 to 72 hours of the damage. Missing this deadline can result in claim denial, so contact your insurance company immediately, even if you're still assessing the damage.
Before you touch anything, document everything. Take photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles. Photograph damaged belongings, structural damage, and anything that shows the extent of destruction. This documentation is your best evidence when working with insurance adjusters.
Next, make a detailed inventory of all damaged property. List each item, its approximate age, and its value if possible. Receipt copies and photos from before the storm can help establish value for expensive items like electronics, appliances, or furniture.
You can and should make temporary repairs to prevent further damage—this is actually required under most policies. Cover broken windows with plywood, tarp damaged roofs, and patch holes in walls. But save all receipts for these emergency repairs, as they're typically reimbursable. Just don't make permanent repairs or throw away damaged items until the insurance adjuster has inspected and documented everything.
Indiana's Tornado Risk: What You Need to Know
Indiana isn't Oklahoma or Kansas, but it sees more tornado activity than many residents realize. The state averages about 26 tornadoes per year, with June being the peak month for tornado activity. However, 2024 shattered expectations with 59 confirmed tornadoes—the second-highest count on record, trailing only 2011's devastating outbreak of 79 tornadoes.
Certain areas of Indiana see more tornado activity than others. Tippecanoe County has recorded the most tornadoes historically, with 53 events, followed by Marion and Lake counties. But tornadoes can strike anywhere in the state, often with little warning. Most tornadoes in Indiana occur around 6 PM, which means they often catch families at home during dinner time.
Getting the Right Coverage for Your Situation
Review your current homeowners insurance policy with tornado coverage in mind. Check three key things: your dwelling coverage limit (is it enough to rebuild your home at today's construction costs?), your wind/hail deductible (can you afford it if a tornado strikes?), and whether you have replacement cost coverage or actual cash value coverage for your belongings.
Replacement cost coverage pays to replace damaged items at today's prices, while actual cash value coverage factors in depreciation. When a tornado destroys your five-year-old refrigerator, replacement cost coverage buys a new refrigerator, while actual cash value gives you the depreciated value of a five-year-old appliance. For most Indiana homeowners, replacement cost coverage is worth the slightly higher premium.
Consider adding flood insurance if you don't already have it, especially given Indiana's increasing frequency of severe weather and flooding events. And if you're shopping for homeowners insurance or considering switching carriers, get quotes from multiple insurers—premiums can vary significantly for the same coverage.
Tornado season in Indiana runs roughly from March through July, but tornadoes can strike any time of year. Don't wait until tornado warnings are popping up on your phone to figure out your coverage. Review your policy now, understand your deductibles, and make sure you have adequate protection for your home and belongings. That 30 minutes you spend reviewing your insurance today could save you thousands of dollars and enormous headaches if the worst happens.
