Does Home Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

By  //  September 7, 2022

Standard household insurance plans may cover wind damage, but this varies based on the insurer. Flood insurance has to be bought separately, and earthquake coverage is available as an add-on via a rider or endorsement. A Miami attorney understands how insurance companies process statements and can tell if they act in bad faith.

Water can cause various types of damage to a home, whether it’s a spring rain storm or an ice-covered roof. Examine your policy to see what kinds of water damage it includes. While ice and hail destruction are generally covered by homeowners insurance (up to the liability limits), coverage for water damage differs based on the source. For instance, you could discover that homeowners insurance protects you if a frozen pipe bursts in your home.

What You Need to Know About Home Insurance

Most standard home insurance plans protect against storm and wind damage, but there are a few exclusions.

For instance, fences, hedges, and gates are not generally insured against storm damage. Exclusions will vary, so read your plan carefully to determine what is and isn’t protected.

If your home is not maintained correctly, your insurance company may refuse to pay your claim. There are some ways you can try to safeguard your home and possessions:

■ Check your pipes regularly and repair any leaks, no matter how minor.

■ Check that your home is adequately protected.

■ Regularly take out debris from gutters and keep them clean.

■ Trim any plants and trees that are growing near your property.

■ Make a plan. If you know a storm is coming, close your doors and windows, put away your patio furniture, and park your vehicle someplace safe to protect it from falling tiles or trees.

Types Of Storms

Stormy Winds

Tornadoes and hurricanes are examples of wind storms. Typically, residential insurance policies do not pay for damages to your home’s structure and contents caused by high-speed winds such as tornadoes and hurricanes. This is why it is advised that you thoroughly review the insurance policy coverage before purchasing.

Hail Storms

Hail storms are caused by heavy snowfall. Because of the continuous snowfall, they continue to accumulate on the roofs of houses, which is one of the most prevalent hail storm-related compensation claims. The accumulation of snow on the house’s roof continues. The collection of snow on the top of the property continues to grow, which can reduce the temperature inside the house and damage it if proper precautions are not taken during construction.

Storm with lightning

Home insurance policies usually covers lightning storms. However, lightning storms rarely strike properties or a location surrounded by houses.

Nevertheless, the most crucial question is whether your homeowner’s insurance policy covers storm-related damage.

How Can You Avoid Roof Issues?

The landowner must adequately care for and preserve their roof and consider the life of different materials, ranging from fifteen to one hundred years. Households can take various steps to help protect their roof, such as hiring trained professionals to operate regular inspections.

Several roofing companies will inspect a roof for free to gain future business (don’t be surprised if they discover various issues). Make sure your roof is dust-free and does not hold or collect water. Any trees that are touching or hanging over the roof should be pruned. If you live in an area prone to high winds, ensure your house and roof meet current building codes. If the insurance company neglects your claims, the best thing to do is consult with a lawyer and learn more.