Storm damage can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s caused by fallen trees or a lightning strike, the cost to repair the damage can be a significant burden.
When this happens, you might find yourself asking, “does home insurance cover storm damage?” Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer because that largely depends on your specific policy.
In general, most homeowners offer some coverage if the damage was a direct result of a storm. Read on to learn more about the type of damage most insurance companies usually cover. You’ll also find more information on coverage limits and how to file a claim to get your repairs covered by your homeowners insurance.
Storm Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Does home insurance cover storm damage caused by wind, hail, and lightninglightening? More than likely, yes, but damage caused by floods and earthquakes aren’t typically covered. We recommend that you read up on your policy to see the specific types of damage covered by your insurance.
The following are some of the most common problems covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Wind Damage
Strong winds can cause plenty of destruction on their own. Whether they are accompanied by rain or hail, the wind can lead to substantial roofing and siding damage. In fact, many siding and roofing repairs are the resultresults of wind that removed shingles or vinyl siding. Fortunately, most insurance companies cover wind damage, so you can easily fix your home’s exterior.
Water Damage
Water damage coverage is often a gray area. For example, most insurance providers require special flood insurance. If the water damage is a direct result of a storm, like a damaged roof, then your insurance should cover the repair costs.
Lightning Strikes & Power Surges
At the very least, a lightning strike can damage your electronics or appliances. In the worst-case scenario, the lightning could cause a fire and smoke damage. Most insurance policies cover these types of storm damages. You should keep in mind, however, that many policies place a limit on the amount of coverage for things like electronics.
Fallen Trees
In the event that a storm blows a tree onto your house, your insurance policy should provide coverage for the repairs. In many cases, they even provide limited tree debris removal. You can check with your insurance agent to see what your coverage limit is.
If a tree happens to fall in your yard and doesn’t cause any damage to your home or other structures, it’s typically not covered. You would have to pay for the removal out of pocket.
Hail Damage & Snow
Siding and roofing are susceptible to hail damage, especially if the hail is of significant size. Fortunately, your insurance should cover any hail damage repairs. You can also get coverage from wind-driven snow that causes internal damage to your home if it gets in through a storm-damaged roof or wall.
Determining Your Storm Damage Coverage Limits
We’re often asked, “does home insurance cover storm damage fully?” Coverage limits vary from policy to policy, and many factors influence the amount. The best way to determine your storm damage coverage is by reading your policy. If you are still confused or need clarification, we suggest contacting your insurance agent.
As a general rule, low premiums often mean that you’ll have low coverage. If you pay a high insurance premium, then you should have a high coverage limit. It’s important that you find the right balance for what you can afford, but if your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of your repairs, you will have to pay the rest out of pocket.
If you’re not sure how much coverage you need, we suggest that you research the price of storm damage repairs. These could include:
- Roof Repairs
- Siding Replacement
- Deck Repairs
- Painting
- Electrical Repairs
- And More!
Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Company
It’s always stressful when dealing with damage to your home. Storms especially heighten emotions because they are often unexpected and scary. For that reason, it’s important that you understand how to file a claim to restore your home as soon as possible.
We know that the idea of repairing your home after a big storm sounds overwhelming, but you can follow these simple steps to get started with your claim:
- Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy: Before you even start going through the time-consuming claim process, make sure that your policy covers the damage. You should also check the type of coverage to see if it is replacement cost or actual cash value.
- Assess the Extent of Storm Damage: Although some of the damage might be obvious, there could be other hidden problems. You should carefully and thoroughly inspect your home to understand the exact scope of damage you are dealing with. Take a lot of pictures and videos.
- Request a Repair Estimate: While your adjustor might tell you how much the repair will cost, you still need to get an estimate from a contractor. We recommend requesting a written estimate on the company’s letterhead so that your insurance agent can contact the contractor.
- Keep Records of Claim Information: Lastly, as you start corresponding with the contractor and your insurance, you need to record everything. Keep track of names, conversations, photos, quotes, and more.
Another helpful tip: act fast! The longer your home sits with the damage, the harder it becomes to show your insurance company what was caused by the storm. It also leaves your home susceptible to more damage, especially if your roof is leaking.
Find Out More About How to Get Your Storm Damage Repairs Covered
Tandem Contracting is here to help you with all of your storm damage, from fallen trees on your deck to missing shingles. In fact, we have plenty of experience working with insurance companies to get your home restored to its original condition.
You can call us to find out more about our services as a NJ remodeling contractor, or you can submit our online form to request a quote for your insurance claim.
