Common types of damage caused by tsunamis

Tsunamis are incredibly powerful and destructive waves formed when a large body of water is displaced, and are usually the result of earthquakes and volcanic activity. Because of this, tsunami damage is varied and widespread.

Tsunamis — the waves themselves — can cause the following types of damage:

• Flooding
• Damage to homes due to the force of water
• Power outages
• Debris buildup

Additionally, the earthquake or volcanic eruption that initially caused the tsunami can also create additional hazards. Earthquakes and volcanic activity can cause:

• Property damage
• Fires
• Landslides

The cost of the damage caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and the resulting tsunamis can be high. If you are far enough away from the epicenter of the earthquake or volcanic eruption, or far enough away from the coast where the tsunami hits, you may not experience much damage. The closer you get to the epicenter or coast, however, the greater damage you’re likely to experience.

Does homeowners insurance cover tsunami damage?

It depends on the type of damage. Standard home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding or earthquakes. If a tsunami wave itself or an earthquake that causes a tsunami damages your home, you will not have coverage under a standard home insurance policy.

However, volcanic eruption is a covered homeowners insurance peril. While earthquake or flood damage won’t be covered if you have a standard policy, coverage for damage caused directly by a volcanic eruption should be. This could include damage caused by shockwaves, ash and lava. To determine what the specific policy is that’s responsible for paying for the damage will depend on what is damaged. If your home is damaged, for example, your dwelling coverage would pay. If your belongings are damaged, your personal property coverage would pay.

Does flood insurance cover tsunami damage?

You now know that home insurance may not cover all the damage caused by tsunamis. As such, you might be wondering: Does flood insurance cover tsunamis?

Flood insurance, which is generally optional but may be required if you live in a flood zone and have a mortgage, will likely pay for the resulting flood damage caused by a tsunami. Flood insurance, which is not covered under standard home insurance policies, is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and many private insurers. Flood insurance comes with two coverage types:

• Dwelling coverage
• Personal property coverage

You can purchase a dwelling-only policy or include both coverage types, but you cannot buy a personal-property-only policy. If a tsunami hits your area and causes flood damage to your house, the dwelling coverage on your policy would pay. If, for example, your furniture and clothing are also damaged, your personal property coverage would pay, assuming you opted to purchase it.

Importantly, most flood insurance policies are not immediately effective. This means that if a tsunami is actively headed in your direction, it is too late to purchase flood insurance coverage. There is typically a 30-day waiting period between when you purchase coverage and when your policy becomes effective (with some exceptions for things like purchasing a home), so considering your property’s risk ahead of time is wise. Flood insurance premiums are also typically paid annually and in full.

Does earthquake insurance cover tsunami damage?

So, your home policy covers damages caused by volcanic eruptions and you can purchase a flood policy to cover the damages caused by tsunami waves, but what about the damage caused by earthquakes?

Earthquake coverage is a common home insurance endorsement, so you might be able to add coverage for earthquake damages to your existing home insurance policy. If you’re in a particularly high-risk area, you might need to buy a separate policy.

Earthquake insurance won’t cover the water damage from tsunamis or damage caused by a volcanic eruption associated with a tsunami. However, having an earthquake endorsement or policy could help provide financial protection from the damages caused by earthquakes that create tsunamis. Not all earthquakes create tsunamis, but they can still damage your home. Damages from non-tsunami earthquakes would also be covered by an earthquake endorsement or policy.