Wind Damage Insurance Claims: 5 Things You Should Know

by | Nov 26, 2021 | Hurricane Damage, Wind Damage

1. Hire Local Contractors with Wind Damage Repair Experience
When a windstorm strikes a location, contractors from all across the state may flock to that area in the hopes of cashing in on insurance claims. Unfortunately, these storm-chasing contractors may not deliver the best service, which is why you should always go with a trained local provider.

Contrary to popular belief, you are not always required to submit three quotes to your insurance. Instead, contact your insurer to learn more about your coverage, as each one is unique.

2. Windstorm coverage is optional in certain areas but mandatory in others.
Wind coverage is standard on all plans in most regions of the United States. However, this is not the case in all locations. As a result, insurance will frequently demand an additional fee to safeguard against wind damage in windy areas of the state.

In Florida, however, state law requires home insurance coverage to cover wind damage caused by a hurricane. Some exclusions for high-risk regions in Florida, on the other hand, are not covered by ordinary insurance policies but may be covered by the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area in Florida or elsewhere, double-check your homeowners’ insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for hurricane and windstorm damage.

Aaraya Claims Wind Damaged Roof

3. Recognize the Risks of Anti-Concurrent Causation Clauses
Many homeowner insurance contracts have a provision known as an anti-concurrent causation clause. This condition stipulates that if two disasters strike simultaneously and the homeowner is only insured for one, the insurance will not pay for your damages.

This means that if a strong wind knocks your roof off your house and it later floods, your insurer may refuse to pay for the damage since flood insurance was not included in your policy.

4. Your Insurance Company Is Required To Repair Or Replace The Roof, Whichever Is Less Expensive
If your roof has wind damage, your insurance carrier is required by law to repair or replace the roof, whichever is less expensive. That may appear to be a simple concept, but it might cause complications in practice.

Your shingles and roofing may have been discolored over time. Adding new pieces to your roof may cause visual issues, but replacing the complete roof is unfeasible and not covered by your insurance.

The majority of insurance firms are aware of the issue. In these cases, after wind damage to a roof, they’ll normally aim to find a balance between visual value and repairs.

Roofs that are nearing the end of their estimated life may also be replaced in this case. However, many homeowners choose to simply replace the roof and take advantage of the insurance payout (which covers replacing the part of the damaged roof).

5. The Majority Of Insurance Policies Cover Wind Damage
The ordinary homeowner’s insurance policy often covers wind damage produced by a storm. This is one of the most significant threats to your house, and your insurer is expected to cover wind-related losses.

Floods and earthquakes are the only two big catastrophic occurrences that are often not covered by your insurance. However, it might be difficult to tell which event caused damages when a storm causes windy weather and floods. This is when a public adjuster might come in handy.