Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

While Texas homeowners have long been used to tornado warnings, it seems that the frequency of tornadoes is on the rise.

Tornadoes aren’t just frightening to experience. They can also wreak havoc on your property, particularly external structural elements like your roof.

Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage? When can you file a claim to cover storm damage to your property and what should you expect from the process?

Read on as we discuss everything you need to know about storm damage coverage for your property.

How Much Does Storm Damage Cost to Repair?

If you’re living in a state that sees a lot of severe weather, how much can you expect to pay for it? It depends on the kind of storm damage you’re dealing with. On average, Americans pay over $11,000 to repair storm damage.

Common types of storm damage include:

• flooding and leaking
• wind damage
• hail damage
• fallen trees
• fire damage

In states like Texas, homeowners often deal with wind damage and fallen trees, as well as residual leaks from weakened or damaged roofing. After a tornado or another major storm system moves through your neighborhood, you’re going to want to check for signs of damage to your property as soon as possible.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

When you have such expensive repairs coming up, you’re going to want to get any financial assistance that you can get. In fact, you took out a homeowners insurance policy for moments exactly like this one. The question is, will they cover the damage?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies do provide coverage for storm damage caused by wind. This can include things like missing or broken shingles or structural damage caused by trees that fell in the storm. 

How much coverage you receive depends on a variety of factors. For example, you will need to meet your deductible before coverage kicks in. Most insurance policies do have a maximum limit, so you will have to pay more than your deductible if the cost of damage exceeds that limit. 

How to File a Claim for Storm Damage

As soon as you notice damage to your roof or other structural components of your property, it’s time to start the claims process immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to prove that the damage you’re trying to fix was the direct result of a natural disaster. Let’s take a look at the steps to take when filing a claim for storm damage.

Document the Damage

Throughout the claims process, your property damage will be documented in a number of ways that we’ll discuss below. However, we encourage you to do some documenting of your own. As safely as possible, take photos and videos of the damaged areas of your property and compile a list of the repairs you will need as a result.

Request an Inspection and Estimates

In order to secure the maximum coverage possible, you’re going to need repair estimates from a reputable contractor. At Hammerhead Roofing, we have years of experience helping homeowners navigate insurance claims filed for roof damage. Our storm damage support includes inspections, clear documentation, and more. 

Work With Your Claims Adjuster

Most insurance companies will not accept third-party inspections or estimates alone. They will also send out an adjuster to investigate the damage and provide their own professional opinion about how much coverage they are required to offer. You should always be present when an adjuster comes to look at your property so that you can answer any questions they may have and ask questions of your own.

Tips for Dealing With Storm Damage

It’s no secret that navigating the claims process can cause a great deal of frustration. It may take longer than you’re anticipating or you may be left with less coverage than first expected. Let’s talk about a few tips that will make this process easier to navigate.

Prevent Further Wear and Tear

Here’s where things get tricky: your insurance policy will cover different types of storm damage, but it won’t cover preventable damage. For example, you can get coverage for roof damage caused by severe wind. However, if it rains several days later and you end up with water damage because of that initial roof damage, you probably won’t get coverage for the water damage.

Why? Homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover what’s referred to as “wear and tear,” or damage that wouldn’t have happened with proper maintenance. Use short-term solutions like emergency roof tarping to prevent wear and tear until your roof is repaired.

Maintain an Emergency Fund

Storm damage doesn’t always warrant a homeowner’s insurance claim, even when that damage is covered. For example, if the cost of the damage is only two to three times more than your deductible, filing a claim may not be worth the increase in monthly premiums.

When you own your home, it’s always best to maintain an emergency fund. That way, you can act fast with or without the help of your insurance company.

Work With Roofing Professionals You Trust

You deserve a roofing contractor that you trust will get the job done well. After all, low-quality roofing materials and poor craftsmanship can leave your roof exposed to quick wear and tear. We’ll partner with you from start to finish to address tornado damage.

Call Hammerhead Roofing for Roof Damage After a Storm

Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage? Oftentimes, homeowners are entitled to some amount of coverage after a storm. The key is to act fast and work with the right professionals to get the most out of your claim.

Are you dealing with roof damage after a storm? Contact us today.