Five Things You Should Know About Wind Damage Claims
Insurance wind damage claims can be tricky. Some policies go into slight detail concerning wind damage protected under the policy. Our public insurance claims adjuster in Polk County wants you to understand your policy and what you should know about wind damage loss claims.
Most policies shield wind damage
The average homeowners' insurance generally covers wind damage generated by a storm because it is one of the primary risks to your property. There are just two disasters not normally covered by typical policies: floods and earthquakes. However, occasionally there are storms that produce windy and flooding conditions, so it may be challenging to determine which force has rendered which damage. A public claims adjuster can help in a case like this.
Your insurance carrier must replace or restore your roof
If your roof has wind damage, your insurer is legally bound to repair or replace it, whichever is less costly. While this sounds rather basic, problems can emerge in practice. For instance, adding new materials might lead to cosmetic inconsistencies if your shingles are old and discolored, but total replacement is outside your policy compensation. In many circumstances, homeowners replace their roof if it is near the end of its life expectancy and simply pay the difference.
Evade anti-concurrent causation clauses
Many traditional homeowners' policies have a built-in anti-concurrent causation clause noting that when two catastrophes happen simultaneously, and the policyholder only has coverage for one, the insurance company does not have to protect the damages. So essentially, if a wind storm blows off your roof and your home floods, your insurance can reject coverage of the damages because your policy does not contain flood insurance.
Windstorm coverage is mandated in some areas and discluded in others
In most regions of the country, wind damage is typical in every policy. However, customers are charged extra for windstorm coverage in particular windy parts of Texas. In addition, some insurers in Texas refuse to cover wind damage. On the other hand, Florida state law mandates insurers to cover hurricane-related wind damage. Still, some exclusions exist for high-risk areas that must pursue coverage elsewhere. So be sure to double-check your policy to understand your protection better.
Employ local contractors with wind damage backgrounds
When a mighty windstorm hits, contractors from all over will journey to the area, hoping to cash in on some of the damage claims. Unfortunately, these storm-chasing damage contractors may not deliver the highest level of service and quality, making it essential to work with local contractors who are dedicated and reliable. Also, contrary to popular belief, you do not always have to present three estimates to your insurer. Instead, talk with your insurance company to verify your required number because each policy is distinct.
