Windstorm Damage Claim In 2024 | An In-Depth Guide
Wind damages can create serious complications for your business, home, and other properties. Consequently, the impact of wind damage ranges from missing shingles or sidings to major internal structural problems due to sustained force. windstorm damage claim helps you cover the damages caused by windstorms.
The hidden disasters of windstorm
Windstorm damage to your property occurs when you experience any kind of storm or other weather event with high winds. Most people link wind damage with several major storms, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, but any high wind can lead to property damage.
Damaging winds or straight-line winds are classified as exceeding 50-60 miles per hour. However, it can reach up to 100 miles per hour. These types of winds are often caused by downdrafts during severe thunderstorms, but damaging winds can be caused by a wide range of weather scenarios.
Note: If you live in a mobile home, you are particularly at more risk for wind damage. However, regardless of whether you live or work in an area that is prone to windstorms, make sure that you document the state of your property and other assets before any disaster strikes.
You should click pictures and videos as evidence to make a roof damage insurance claim for wind damage.
When your home suffers from wind damage, you need to focus your full attention on:
- Broken glass.
- Fallen trees.
- General clean-up.
- Leaks and roof damages.
Moreover, filing an insurance claim will help you recover from all the damages you have suffered in a windstorm.
Steps to file an Windstorm Damage Insurance Claim
1. Contact the insurer
After a major storm, the insurers visit places that are adversely affected by the windstorm. Therefore, contact an insurance company as soon as possible to start the process of a windstorm damage claim. Provide them with your policy number, valid phone number, and email address to reach you. It’s important to provide them with an accurate description of the extent of the property damage.
Note: Ask your insurer when you can expect to be contacted by an insurance adjuster. In most cases, the adjusters are in areas where cellphone towers are damaged. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get the phone number of your adjuster’s supervisor so you have an additional contact.
2. Document your loss
The insurance adjuster examines the damages caused by the wind to your home, auto, and possessions to help you replace and repair them. Therefore, it’s ideal to take photographs and document all the details of damaged items, such as the date of purchase and approximate value, and collect receipts. Nevertheless, some companies might ask you to submit an inventory of the items.
3. Cross-check everything with the insurer
Cross-check with your insurer before you discard the damaged items and materials. You will also need to show windstorm damaged items to your adjuster.
Moreover, if you are required by the local municipality to discard them for safety reasons, click pictures to get a hassle-free wind damage settlement.
4. Know what emergency services are available
Do you need emergency services, such as removing water from your home, covering your roof, or boarding up windows or doors? There are various companies that dispatch approved emergency services to protect homes from windstorm home damage. Moreover, the homeowner’s insurer also helps you get a check for additional living expenses.
5. Keep a claim diary
Good record-keeping is important when it comes to filing a claim. You should create a list of everyone you speak to about the windstorm damage claim. You should note their name, title, and contact information. In addition, keep proper track of the time, date, and issues discussed. Furthermore, keep in mind that the more organized you are, the easier and simpler your claims process will be.
6. Don’t worry if your claim gets denied
Even a small amount of damage results in an approved claim. These types of damages can devalue your home. Therefore, it’s important to fix all the damage immediately before it leads to greater damage down the road.
7. Watch for payments
When your windstorm damage claim is approved, the insurance company will send you two separate payments. The first payment or the materials deposit helps in covering the cost of materials. Therefore, ensure that your contractor orders materials in your name and uses your check to pay for your materials.
8. Get ready for repairs
After your materials are delivered, the contractor will get to work. In addition, any changes to the written bid should be submitted in writing for your approval. Once your project has passed a city inspection, you will get a chance to approve before making the final payment.
Important tips to file a Windstorm Damage Insurance Claim
- Don’t wait. The insurance companies have a strict time limit to file a claim.
- The insurance restoration contractor can be your advocate. Ensure to hire the best contractor.
- Beware of your insurance company-approved contractors.
- Review your coverage with the agent before you need it, to understand all your rights accurately.
- The insurance companies are in business to make profits and they might try to deny your claim. Therefore, it’s better to be your own strongest advocate.
When to consider hiring a wind damage insurance attorney
- If you believe your home is damaged by recent high winds, but your insurance company claims it’s old damage.
- If you believe your damages should be covered under your policy, but the insurance company disagrees.
- If the insurance company denies your claims for wind damages.
- If the insurance company acts in bad faith when handling your wind damage claim.
If you want a lawyer who cares about you and the outcome of your windstorm damage claim, choose Ethen Ostroff. He and his professional connections ensure you get every dollar possible for what you went through.
