Storm surge is one of the most destructive forces in coastal storms—bringing walls of water that rush inland, flooding homes, collapsing foundations, and sweeping away structures and contents. Although often associated with hurricanes, storm surge is not covered under standard homeowners policies. Instead, it’s considered a form of flooding, which requires separate coverage through a FEMA-backed flood policy or a private flood insurer. Unfortunately, many homeowners discover this gap only after the water has hit—and the denial letter follows.
Even with a valid flood policy, storm surge claims can be difficult to document. Water levels rise quickly and recede just as fast, leaving behind debris, structural instability, and mud-soaked contents. If the surge was accompanied by high winds or wind-driven rain, disputes often arise between flood and homeowners insurers—each pointing to the other for responsibility. Coverage for basements, contents, outbuildings, and additional living expenses may also be limited or excluded altogether under standard flood policies.
At Loti, we help you capture and organize every aspect of your storm surge loss—from building and contents damage to mitigation costs and disputed coverage zones. We build a complete, evidence-backed claim that holds up under scrutiny—so you’re not left trying to prove your losses alone.
OUR APPROACH
Storm Surge—Massive Water, Massive Damage, and a Complex Path to Coverage
Photograph high water lines, structural collapse, and contents damage as soon as it’s safe
Save receipts for emergency mitigation—pumps, fans, generators, and cleanup crews
Request a full copy of your flood insurance declarations, including limits and exclusions
Gather elevation certificates, FEMA flood zone maps, and any wind vs. flood loss documentation
Begin a detailed inventory of personal property, including brand names, values, and replacement needs
Key Steps We Help You Take After Storm Surge:
We also help evaluate the timing and cause of loss—working to clearly separate wind-driven damage (potentially covered under your homeowners policy) from water-based loss (covered under flood insurance). Our team coordinates with both insurers to minimize delay and maximize recovery.
At Loti, we know storm surge claims are among the hardest to prove—and the easiest for insurers to dispute. That’s why we focus on clear evidence, policy alignment, and expert coordination—so your recovery isn’t washed away by technicalities or finger-pointing.
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Tidal waves, often referred to as tsunamis, are powerful and devastating natural disasters that can cause extensive damage to coastal properties. Despite the significant destruction they can bring, tidal waves are generally not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. This Exclusion can be surprising to homeowners, particularly those living in coastal areas, where the risk of such events is higher. Understanding why tidal waves are excluded from coverage, what this peril includes, and how you can manage the risk is crucial for homeowners in vulnerable regions.
This detailed guide will explain what the tidal wave peril involves, why it’s generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance, and provide specific examples to help homeowners understand the implications of this exclusion.
Understanding Tidal Waves as a Non-Covered Peril in Homeowners Insurance: What You Need to Know
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