Aumsville tornado: Insurance covers homes, autos, extra living costs

Tornadoes are so rare in Oregon, they're not mentioned in the state Insurance Division's tipsheet on coping with storm damage.

But unlike in the event of a flood or an earthquake, your homeowners and auto insurance policies cover damages from a tornado, minus any deductibles. Insurers even cover the cost of living and eating elsewhere while you get your home repaired, state officials say. Renters policies cover personal property damaged by the funnel cloud.

"You can almost make a case that this is exactly what homeowners policies are designed for -- a big loss," said Ron Fredrickson, who oversees the Oregon Insurance Division's consumer advocacy unit and the blog "Ask Ron."

Under what's known as "Loss of Use," a homeowners policy covers the cost of meals, hotel rooms, commuting costs and anything else above your typical living expenses, Fredrickson said.

It also covers your lost revenue if the twister renders your rental uninhabitable.

Insurance will pay for debris removal and damage to trees, the latter up to a specific limit, usually $500.

Outbuildings -- sheds, workshops or barns -- usually are covered up to a point, often 10 percent of the coverage on your main home. But barns or buildings used for business purposes likely would be covered under either farm or business property policies, Fredrickson said.