Mother Nature likes to throw curve balls every now and then to test your patience. Some people persevere, while others drown in a financial pool of repairs. Why is it that the former survives a windstorm so well?
We have one word for you: Insurance.
It’s the umbrella you need to protect yourself, your family, and your house.
When you buy a home insurance policy, it includes wind damage in the coverage. According to a report by Insurance Information Institute, homeowners filled more wind damage insurance claims between the years 2014 and 2018 than any other loss type, such as theft, water damage, or fire.
All home insurance policies offer windstorm and hail coverage. Let’s take a look at some things you need to know before filing a wind damage claim:
Things to Consider When Filing Wind Damage Insurance Claims
Your Insurance Company Is Obligated to Repair or Replace Your Roof
Most homeowners don’t know this, but when a wind storm damages your house, your insurer is legally obligated to pay for its repairs. If some of the shingles are missing, the company will try to compromise and offer cosmetic repairs. This is not a safe option.
If your claim is rejected, you should file it again with the help of a public adjuster in TX to ensure you get what you are owed.
Lookout for the Anti-Concurrent Causation Clause
An anti-concurrent causation clause is an insurance loophole that gives insurers the power to reject your claim. Let’s say that your region was hit by a windstorm and flood back-to-back. Your insurance policy covers damages for the windstorm but not the flood. In such a case, the insurer rejects the claim stating that most of the damage was caused by the latter natural disaster and they are not responsible for it.
This is where insurance claims assistance in TX comes in. They will gather evidence and ensure the application is filed with the correct information so the claim is not rejected.
Hire Local Contractors for Repairs
When a windstorm wreaks havoc in a region, contractors flock to it in hopes of being hired for repairs due to a rise in insurance claims. These contractors don’t provide high-quality service and are more concerned about the money.
This is why you should contact qualified local companies who have handled such repair projects. Get estimates from different contractors and choose one with years of experience and friendly service.
Different Storm Types Are Covered Under Your Policy
There are different types of storms that are covered under wind damage. These include:
- Hurricane
- Tornado
- Nor’easter
- Thunderstorm
- Microburst
- Tornado
- Derecho
No matter what the damage, from the foundation to the roof, anything the storm touched can be repaired with the money you receive from your claim.
Damage Caused by Fallen Trees Is Covered
Let’s say you have a very old tree in your front yard. The storm knocks it down, and you include it in the claim. Your insurer will not reimburse you for it. You will be responsible for its removal. However, you will be covered if the tree falls on your garage or destroys the fence.
You cannot control the weather, but you can minimize the risk to your house by taking a few precautions, such as securing the outdoor furniture, parking your car away from power lines and trees, and looking for any weak points on your property.
If you are having trouble filling your wind damage insurance claim, get in touch with a public adjuster in TX. They will evaluate the house and calculate the total cost of the damage to help you make an accurate claim.
Read for more information on claims handling services or contact them today.