Florida may be the Sunshine State, but we have our fair share of high winds and storms that can cause significant property damage. If your home is damaged due to high wind, your homeowner’s insurance policy offers some protection. Generally, you are covered for wind damage from weather events like tornadoes, hail, rain, lightning, and hurricanes.
Understanding how your policy offers protection against wind damage is crucial to be properly prepared for the unexpected because you will understand your coverage limits and know if you need to add additional coverage for a wider net of protection.
Let’s discuss the important ways in which your homeowner’s policy can protect you when the wind starts to pick up...
What Wind Damage Should Insurance Cover?
After high winds make their way through your neighborhood, your yard might look a little different. Your lawn furniture was tossed around and tree branches may have broken off. When you look at your home, you might find that some shingles are missing on your roof, or your fence may have been knocked over by a tree.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy can help pay for repairing or replacing the damaged areas of your home, roof, fences, or other structures that have taken a hit during high winds.
If you are unsure of your coverage, it is wise to get in touch with your agent before a weather event like a hurricane occurs.
How to Protect Your Home From High Force Winds
There is much that can be done in advance to minimize the risks of wind damage. Start by trimming low-hanging branches that extend over your roof, and then:
Remove dead or dying trees near the house
Check your roof frequently for damage
Reinforce windows and doors
Hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof and check for any loose or missing shingles (again before a big storm is key so you can clearly say the storm caused the damage. If you don’t know, then your insurance may deny your claim.)
Ensure that your garage door is mounted properly and closes completely
Bolt or chain down large appliances such as gas grills and patio furniture
Ensure that all storage sheds and garages are anchored properly
Install storm shutters if you live in a hurricane-prone area like Tampa Bay
Ways Your Homeowners Policy Protects Against Wind Damage
Wind Damage to Roofs
Storms with high winds can produce a lot of damage to your roof by literally lifting your shingles up and away. Your homeowner’s insurance policy will usually offer coverage for losses like these.
Your roof is usually protected by homeowner’s insurance, but how you are covered will depend on your policy. Keep in mind that the amount you will receive for your damaged roof will depend on the type of coverage that you carry: actual cash value or replacement cost value.
Roof claims can be complex and can often be denied due to wear and tear so it is best to reach out to a public adjuster to know what you are covered for in the event of damage. Call Liberty Adjusters today if your insurance claim was denied or undervalued — 813-922-5129!
Wind Damage to Windows
If the wind picks up a small object and launches it into the air your doors and windows could be at risk of being damaged or destroyed. The good news? Your homeowner’s policy will usually protect you during an event like this.
Wind Damage to Fences
Coverage for wind damage to a fence will generally fall under the category of detached structures on your property. Fences are usually covered for the same unexpected events as your home like damage from hail, wind, lightning, vehicle damage, fire, smoke, and vandalism.
Wind Damage to Siding
Both metal and vinyl siding are often covered under an active homeowner's policy. Knowing how your policy handles siding damage and replacement coverage is crucial if you want to make sure that it covers siding damage.
If damage is caused by a listed peril such as wind, hail, or a tornado, you will likely be covered for the damage and should be able to replace the missing siding with a material that closely matches. Keep in mind, a standard homeowner’s policy only covers the parts of your home that are damaged, which can become a bigger deal than you may think.
If your siding is a few years old, it may no longer be available, and a reasonable match may be unavailable. When you carry “matching siding” coverage, you might be reimbursed for up to $20,000 of the cost of replacing undamaged siding if a reasonable siding match cannot be found.
Before Filing a Wind Damage Claim:
When filing a claim for a wind-damaged property:
Ensure the area is safe
Document any damage with photos and short videos
Take note of the date and time that the damage occurred
Write down a written description of the damage
Make temporary repairs to help mitigate further damage
Secure your valuable personal property
If you need help filing a wind damage claim, lean on Liberty Adjusters to help you get the settlement you need to repair your home. Submit a claim today!
We Help With Wind Damage Claims
If your home is damaged due to high-force winds, your homeowner’s insurance policy should offer protection for wind damage. But that doesn’t mean that your insurance company is on your side when it comes to properly repairing the damage and restoring your property to pre-loss condition. Sadly, it’s common for denied or unvalued claims due to ‘wear and tear’ or unsure answers when you call your insurance company.
Do not let the insurance company treat you like just another number. Lean on Liberty Insurance Adjusters for your wind damage claim. Our licensed public adjusters have years of experience with wind damage claims and are here to fight for the fairest settlement possible for your claim. Get justice for your property; submit your claim today — 813-922-5129!