Homeowners insurance is an important investment for any homeowner. It provides protection against financial losses that may arise from a variety of events, such as fire, theft, and natural disasters. One natural disaster that many homeowners worry about is storm damage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what types of damage does homeowners insurance include, how to file a weather insurance claim, and tips for protecting your property from severe weather.
What Types of Weather Damage Does Most Homeowners Insurance Include?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover storm damage to the structure of your home, such as damage caused by high winds, hail, lightning, and falling trees or branches. This coverage typically extends to your roof, walls, windows, and other parts of your home that may be damaged by a storm.
In addition to the damage to the structure of your home, homeowners insurance may also cover damage to your personal property caused by a storm. This includes items such as furniture, electronics, and clothing that may be damaged by water or wind. However, it’s important to note that coverage for personal property may be subject to certain limits and exclusions.
For example, your policy may have a limit on the amount of coverage for certain types of personal property, such as jewelry or artwork. Additionally, your policy may exclude coverage for certain types of damage, such as damage caused by flooding or earthquakes. If you live in an area prone to these types of natural disasters, you may need to purchase separate coverage to ensure that you are fully protected.
Another factor that can affect your coverage for storm damage is your deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and your home sustains $5,000 in storm damage, you would be responsible for paying the first $1,000 and your insurance would cover the remaining $4,000.
How to File a Weather Insurance Claim
When filing a claim for storm damage, it’s important to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. Take photos or videos of the damage and make a list of all the items that were damaged or destroyed. This will help ensure that you receive the appropriate amount of compensation from your insurance company.
Tips for Protecting Your Property from Severe Weather
Weather events that are extremely windy are usually the culprit behind significant damage to your home. While your homeowners insurance helps protect you, it’s equally as important to be proactive and take steps to prevent as much damage as possible to your home. Here are some tips for doing that:
- Inspect your siding: Be sure to inspect and reattach any loose siding and reseal and siding around your doors, water lines, and where any wires enter your home.
- Remove potential projectiles: If you know severe weather is coming, remove or secure down anything that could become a projectile around your home such as grills, bikes, toys, or outdoor furniture.
- Protect your roof: Regular roof inspection is encouraged to make sure you have no loose or missing shingles or tiles. If you spot any, make sure to get them repaired by a licensed contractor as soon as possible. It’s also important to check your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear and firmly attached to your home.
Your homeowners insurance typically covers storm damage to the structure of your home and your personal property, but the specifics of your coverage will depend on your policy and the nature of the damage. To ensure that you are fully protected, it’s important to review your policy carefully and purchase any additional coverage you may need. At Dunham Insurance, no matter what type of insurance coverage you need, we take the extra time to ensure that you completely understand your coverage and that it fits your needs perfectly. Get in touch today to discuss your specific insurance needs.