Windstorms have strong and violent winds pass over land with the potential to cause considerable damage. Every state in the US has insurance provisions and riders, which homeowners can buy.
This coverage protects them from property damage and loss of personal belongings. Most homeowner’s insurance covers the following:
- Water damage
- Ice damage
- Damage caused by lightning
- Power surges during storms
- Hail
- Wind
- Falling trees
What to do after a storm
To be able to file a wind damage insurance claim, property owners should take the following steps. Remember that you must act quickly as many policies have a set time frame for filing a claim. Failure to do so will lead to more property damage.
- Note the date of the storm and get as much evidence in the form of articles and video clips as possible.
- Assess the damage to property, whether it is pictures or a video.
- Have at least two or three contractors come and do a property inspection and give an estimate for repairs.
- Get in touch with your insurance company and offer all the information about the claim. Ask to have an adjuster come and verify the damage personally.
- It is a smart idea to have a contractor present during this inspection so that the assessment is fair.
In case your provider denies your claim, you can request that a couple of other insurance adjusters evaluate the damage. You can also hire a public insurance adjuster to help with the claim.
Since windstorm damage can vary from one property to another and insurance coverage varies from one carrier to another, you must do a lot of research first. Make sure that you understand your policy well and what it covers.
If you think it is not enough, then get additional wind damage insurance so that you are covered for all risks. Filing claims becomes easier when adequate coverage is in place.