Wind Damage Insurance Claims

Wind Damage Insurance Claims

Weather elements can be unpredictable. It is often impossible to prepare for the damage they cause. Strong winds and harsh hail are not predictable. When they happen, they can cause a lot of damage. High winds are capable of making your home inhabitable by destroying the roof and other structures. Even though damage to your roof by causes such as fires and vandalism are typically covered by home insurance, it may not cover damage due to the wind and other weather elements. The following are some important things to know before you file a claim for wind insurance.

What Is Wind Damage? 

Wind is basically moving air. Even though it is essential for life, it can be dangerous when it comes to huge gusts. It can cause tree twigs and branches to fall on your roof and windows and damage occurs. Roof damage is one of the most common effects of strong winds. You may spend a lot of money trying to repair or replace it. This is where your wind damage insurance comes in. It helps you ease the burden. It is important to understand the extent of coverage of your insurance. Speak to your insurance company about your policy and do not make any assumptions. Knowing your policy well makes it possible for you to prepare. It ensures that you get all the compensation you deserve when the time comes.

Things You Should Know About Wind Insurance

Wind insurance is different from flood insurance and they cover different things. Understanding what your wind insurance covers may help to deal with complications during the recovery process
Since wind insurance can be complicated, it is advisable to hire an insurance adjuster to help you. Your claims adjuster will help you get the compensation you deserve.
If there is a disaster in your area, the cost of claim representation is likely to go high.
Most policies protect you from wind damage not only in your home but also in other properties that are insured. Wind damage is mostly caused by storms so it is extensive. Find out from your insurance provider what is covered and what is not.
Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage and hail damage. You should, however, read the details of your insurance cover as that isn’t always the case.

Insurance Policy 

Your insurance company is in business and it will always go for the least expensive option to minimize costs. If, for example, the policy states that they may repair or replace your property after wind damage, they are likely to repair it.

Some policies include the anti-concurrent causation clause. According to the clause, if there are two natural disasters at the same time and you only have coverage or one of them, your insurance provider does not have to cover you. Even though the likelihood of two disasters happening at the same time is low, it is not impossible. Find a policy that gives you all the protection you need.

If you live in windy areas, getting wind insurance can be difficult. You may have to buy it from a special association. If you get, it can be more costly than in less windy areas.

Hail Damage With Wind 

Even though hail and wind damage often go together, your insurance provider will not see them as the same thing. Hailstone damages are different from wind damages and it is your responsibility to understand them.

Hailstorms can be very unpredictable in frequency and severity. They are more common in some areas than others. In 2016, for example, the cost of homeowner hail damage was more than five billion dollars. This number was much higher than the damage from previous years.

It can be difficult to determine the extent of damage from hailstorms because of their unpredictable nature. In most cases, the damage is mostly cosmetic depending on the age of your roof. Wear and tear may result to more damage.

The damage is usually mild compared to damage by other elements such as water damage, wind, and storm damage. However, there are instances where hail can cause significant damage.

If there is a hailstorm in your area, it may be impossible to assess its damage without the help of a professional. They will inspect your roofing system and other parts of your home to determine how much damage has been done. Do not assume that your roof is fine just because there are no physical signs of damage. A thorough inspection is necessary.

Things to Do In Case of a Hailstorm

If there is a hailstorm in your area, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Gather as much evidence of the damage as you can and contact your insurance company. This is especially important if the hailstorm has affected a large area. Since many people will be filing for their claims, your insurance provider is likely to operate on the basis of first-come-first served.

Contact contractors to help you with repairs and replacements as soon as possible. Just like with wind damage, you need to hire a local contractor with satisfactory experience. Do not trust contractors from other areas that come to you with the promise of discounted rates and fast results. They are unlikely to do a good job. Even though you may fail to notice it immediately, it will bring problems in the future.

Meet with your contractor and insurer to discuss your claim. Your insurance company will give you an insurance adjuster to make estimates. Speak to them and explain your concerns. Speaking to them in person is likely to give you much better results than speaking on the phone.

Keeping a copy of your policy makes it possible for you to set the right expectations. Go through the details of your coverage carefully to ensure that you understand. Always be willing to appeal the offer of your insurance company. If you feel that their offer is unfair or insufficient to cover repairs, get the help of a public adjuster to help you make a fair estimate.

Even though hailstorms are likely to happen when you least expect, some preparation and knowledge may help you deal with the damage to your home fast and affordably.

How to File Claim Your Wind Damage

Settling a wind insurance claim does not need to be difficult. If you follow a few basic steps, things will get easier. After contacting your insurance company to notify them about the incident, follow these steps to prepare.

1.Make a List

Think of everything that was damaged y the windstorm and write it down. Even though it is important to perform repairs as soon as possible, consider waiting until your adjuster des an evaluation. Take photos and detailed videos of the damage and keep them ready as evidence of damage. If you have any relevant receipts, keep them ready. Make another list of important things for your adjuster to see. This may include the damage done to your pools, roof, and other structures. Keeping a list ensures that you do not forget anything. Without a list, you may forget to mention the smaller damages.

2. Prepare Copies of All Communication

Make copies of every communication and documentation that you have from your insurance provider. If you have done temporary repairs, make copies of the receipts and keep them ready. If you have had to seek alternative accommodation, keep copies of the receipts too.

3. Get Estimates of Repairs and Replacements

Speak to a few contractors and get their estimates. You do not have to use the contractor that your insurance company will suggest. Ask the contractors to check for issues such as leaks and faulty HVAC systems. Ask them to give you the approximated cost of repairing each item.

If you have done all this by the time your adjuster comes, your claims process is likely to be fast and fair.

What if You Can’t Agree on Fair Compensation

There are times when you and your insurance provider may be unable to agree on the damage insurance claims you deserve. You may follow all the necessary steps and still get an offer that does not seem fair. In such cases, you do not have to accept it. Some of the most common problems include;

Unfair denials
Misunderstandings about the terms of coverage
Underpayments
Delays in the resolution of claims
If you find yourself in such situations, consider your legal options. With the help of a lawyer, you can get through the problems and get the compensation you deserve. Get a policyholder attorney that is licensed and experienced. They will answer your questions and guide you through the legal processes. In normal circumstances, you can file a claim for our wind insurance without any problems.

We recommend contacting Shield Public Adjusters before sealing with insurance adjusters. As licensed Public Adjusters we are ready to help at any time