In any hurricane, tornado, or similar storm, high winds are often the culprit of severe home damage and structural collapse. If an insurance company has recently denied your wind damage claim or offered you an amount for repairs that you believe is too low, contact RaiseMyClaim for help.
Wind Damage
Damaging Winds Explained
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the wind is considered “high wind” when it maintains speeds of 40 to 57 miles per hour (mph). At this speed, isolated property damage is possible though not as common as when “damaging winds” occur. When the wind sustains speeds of 58 mph and greater, the NWS considers it to be “damaging winds.” Damaging winds have the potential to flatten entire structures to the ground.
In order for a storm to be categorized as a hurricane, it must hit 74 mph winds or greater for at least one minute.
Common Consequences of Wind Damage
Wind, airborne objects, and fallen trees can all damage or destroy your home. Common examples of wind damage include:
- Damaged siding: High winds have the potential to tear the siding off of a house.
- Damaged roofs: Roof shingles are often susceptible to being blown off of roofs in high winds, particularly if the home is older. When the wind exceeds 100 miles per hour, the roof may be torn completely away.
- Shattered windows: If strong enough, the wind has the potential to shatter the glass in unsecured windows. Objects that get picked up by the wind, such as patio furniture, also have the potential to shatter your windows.
- Fallen trees: If a tree that is close to your home is uprooted by high winds, it can cause severe and potentially fatal consequences if it falls onto your home. In addition to completely destroying sections of your home, trees can also damage any power and gas lines that lie in their path.
- Damaged fences: Sections of your fence may be knocked down due to the wind, requiring repairs.
Is Wind Damage Covered Under My Home Insurance Policy?
Wind damage coverage varies by location. In many states, wind damage is covered by your standard home insurance, but in others, particularly those locations that are especially prone to hurricanes, homeowners may be required to purchase separate wind coverage. Or, homeowners may be required to reach a specific hurricane deductible (the amount you must pay out of pocket for repairs) until wind damage coverage takes effect.
Due to these variations, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the details of your home insurance policy so that you are not surprised when it is time to file a claim. Pay special attention to any deductibles you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company will help pay. Also, you should look to see if you have any coverage limits. It is always better to make adjustments to your policy before a storm hits rather than regret your limited coverage after the fact.
In most cases, wind damage is covered by home insurance, including the costs to repair or replace damaged roofs, siding, windows, and fencing. Normal wear and tear are not covered by home insurance: Your property damage must have been a direct result of the wind.
Steps to File a Successful Wind Damage Claim
1) Take pictures before a storm hits: This will help show your insurance company what the condition of your property was before the hurricane, tornado, or storm hit. Having this evidence on hand will also make it harder for an insurer to deny your claim.
2) Prevent further damage: Wind damage may expose sections of your home to the elements, particularly if your roof and windows have been severely damaged. Cover these sections of your home with a tarp, and make any immediate repairs that are necessary to prevent further damage.
3) Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process, ideally once you have ensured your safety and have any eliminated any immediate threats to your property.
4) Create a detailed list of all of your property damage: In addition to a written record, take pictures of all of your damage. Keep these items on hand until you have met with an insurance adjuster.
5) Keep a paper trail: Save every receipt for purchases you make towards immediate home repairs, as well as any additional expenses you incur if the damage to your home requires you to evacuate. Most insurance policies will reimburse you for some of your additional living expenses.
6) Get an estimate from a trusted contractor: It may be helpful to have a contractor that you trust come over to assess the damage to your home before an insurance adjuster arrives. They will likely provide a realistic estimate for how much it will cost to make repairs. If you have this in hand when an insurance adjuster arrives, it will be much more difficult for them to offer a lower estimate for repair costs.
7) Contact RaiseMyClaim: If your wind damage claim is denied or undervalued, contact the team at RaiseMyClaim for assistance. Our team of insurance defense lawyers knows the tactics insurance companies often employ to protect their bottom line at the expense of policyholders like you. They can help you challenge a denial and maximize the amount you may be eligible to recover under the terms of your policy.
Denied Wind Damage Insurance Claim? Contact RaiseMyClaim
When your home has been damaged by wind, you will likely face steep financial losses and stressful home repairs. If you are like most homeowners, you likely purchased home insurance in case this very scenario ever occurred. When your insurance company does not meet their side of the agreement, it can feel like a nightmare.
RaiseMyClaim was created with homeowners like you in mind. If your wind damage claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, contact RaiseMyClaim for a free consultation. We can review the details of your policy and help you maximize your compensation.
