Volcanic Eruption

by Anna Glendenning | More from this Blogger

20 Dec 2006 05:17 PM

As I write this Blog I am listening to the News and looking outside my window. I tried to take some pictures but, my equipment is not of high enough quality to capture the splendid view of Mt. St. Helens. My husband left an hour ago to pick Jeremiah up from preschool and then take the children Christmas shopping. Before he left, we paused and noticed Mt St Helen's must be letting off steam. It happens fairly often and so do the small earthquakes we here about nearly every week.

According to Google Earth our home sits exactly 43.56 miles from the center of the crater on Mt St Helens. We are in the danger zone for some historical volcano's in history. But, since the mountain woke up in May 1980 the biggest problems have been Ash and small earth quakes. Jeremiah says, we do not live by a volcano because our mountain doesn't have fire coming out of the top. We are glad that's not the case! But, understand there is an added risk in our lives with a view of an active volcano.

Following the eruption in 1980 Insurance companies had double checked their policies, exclusions, conditions and named perils were all examined to analyze the very real risk that Volcanic Eruption might result in claims. Within a few years the language was sorted out and in most cases Auto and Homeowner insurance policy holders might find their coverage for Volcanic Eruption interesting.

AUTO INSURANCE If there is damaged to your insured car, due to volcanic eruption policies that include comprehensive coverage would pay after the deductible is met. In most cases our damage is caused by ash which is like fine ground glass and can scratch windows and paint. When the damage is not sever or doesn't exceed the deductible, it's better to pay for the repair costs yourself and not file a comprehensive claim.

Insured car owners are responsible to mitigate their losses and take steps to prevent further losses. For example, if there is enough fallen ash to indicate an oil change or that your car air filter is plugging up, car owners need to prevent future losses and take their car in for service such as an oil change or changing air filters. It's important to be careful washing car paint and windshields.

Insurance may pay for the initial damage caused by a volcanic eruption to your car but, your insurance policy may not pay for damage to the engine or scratches causes by improper cleaning of ash from your car.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for Volcanic Action. Policies usually cover direct losses caused by ash, dust, particulate matter or lava flow. Most policies will cover the costs for removal of ash, dust or particulate matter from the interior and exterior of the insured home and property. But, subsequent dusting's caused from the movement of volcanic dust or ash due to wind may not be covered. The insurance companies can base the claims paid by the named event of a volcanic eruption so most homeowners would only be able to make an ash claim when the volcano has a documented eruption event.

When a volcanic eruption causes a landslide, earthquake or a flood standard homeowner insurance policies generally don't cover earth movement, shock wave or tremors caused by a volcanic eruption. In some cases an Earthquake endorsement or added insurance may cover some of these losses. Flood is never covered on homeowner insurance policies but only on a flood insurance policy and that policy would cover damages from mudslides or mudflows.

When there are several eruptions during a short period of time most policies say all volcanic eruptions within a 72 hour period will be treated as one loss. This means only one deductible should apply to all losses caused by eruptions within that 72 hour period. Coverage between policies and companies may vary so it's important to talk with your company and insurance agent if you live near a volcano like I do.

Related Blogs:

• The Pacific Northwest--Tragic News for December 2006
• Mitigating Claims Damages--What Does That Mean?
• Earthquake Insurance
• Flood Insurance
• Auto Insurance Policies 101: Optional Coverage-Comprehensive

Glossary of Insurance Terms:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J-K | L | M | N | O | P | Q-R | S | T | U-V | W-Z

Families.com Blogs are for informational purposes only. Families.com assumes no responsibility for consumer choices. Consumers are reminded that it is their responsibility to research their choices properly and speak to a certified insurance professional prior to making any decision as important as an insurance purchase.

auto insurance, homeowner insurance, Volcanic Eruption