Are flood and earthquake damage covered by my homeowners policy?

No — standard homeowners insurance specifically excludes both flood and earthquake damage, and this surprises people every disaster season. Flood coverage typically comes through a separate policy, often via the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer, and it's required if you have a mortgage in a designated high-risk flood zone. But flooding happens outside official flood zones too, so coverage can be worth it even where it isn't mandated; note that new flood policies usually carry a 30-day waiting period, so you can't buy it as a storm approaches. Earthquake coverage is also a separate policy or endorsement, important in seismically active regions like California and parts of the Pacific Northwest, and it usually carries a high percentage-based deductible. Check your home's flood and seismic risk and price these separately rather than assuming your main policy has you covered.