Bracing for Impact: Making an Insurance Claim for Wind Damage

No matter how sturdy your home appears, it’s not immune to the effects of high winds. A barrage of gusty air can easily dislodge shingles, crack siding, and topple chimneys. 

Luckily, you do have some protection from the effects of strong winds. Most homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage, but this coverage does have some exclusions.

Knowing what’s protected by your plan can help you create a preparedness strategy that will minimize both damage and costly repairs. Here’s what you should know about home insurance and wind damage. 

Wind Damage and Homeowners Insurance 

Safe inside your house during a storm, you might not even notice the high winds tossing about the world outside. But wind damage is a common source of loss for homeowners — one that is typically covered by insurers. 

The standard home insurance policy includes several types of coverage, three of which are often associated with wind damage. 

• Dwelling coverage: Protects the physical structure of your home — think the roof, windows, built-in appliances, and walls  
• Other structures coverage. Covers structures on your property that aren’t attached to the house 
• Personal property coverage: Protects personal belongings and appliances that aren’t built-in 

Typically, wind damage is included in homeowners insurance, meaning high winds are a covered “peril,” or damaging event, for the coverage types listed above. If the wind knocks a tree down on your property and damages the side of your home, there’s a good chance your provider will cover it. 

When you file a valid claim, your insurer will cover the damage up to the limit outlined in your policy — minus your deductible, of course. In the case of dwelling coverage and other structures coverage, this usually means repairs; for personal property coverage, it often means replacing ruined items. 

Wind Damage: What Homeowners Insurance Covers 

The coverage listed above can be applied to a variety of wind-induced damages. To find out exactly what you’re protected from, it’s best to check the fine print of your policy. In the meantime, here are some common damages covered by homeowners insurance: 

While these perils are typically covered by insurers, claims are often denied on the grounds of pre-existing damage. For example, if high winds knock down your chimney, a provider could deny your claim if they have reason to assume the chimney was unstable before the storm touched down. Staying on top of home maintenance can reduce your risk of having a claim rejected. 

What Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover 

Homeowners insurance can go a long way when it comes to wind damage, but it does have its limits. Knowing what isn’t covered by your plan is just as important as knowing what is, as it gives you the chance to take protective measures or add supplemental coverage to your policy. 

The following scenarios are generally not covered by home insurance: 

• Windstorms. To insurance companies, powerful storms may be considered “vis major” or “superior force.” If a storm meets your insurance company’s vis major threshold, your standard policy may not protect you — hurricanes and windstorms are good examples. If storms are common in your area, you can add windstorm coverage to your insurance plan for greater protection. 
• Flooding. Windstorms are sometimes followed by storm surges, which can lead to flooding. Likely, this won’t be covered by your policy, but separate flooding coverage can be added for greater protection. 
• Wear and tear. Homes are complex systems, and they’re likely to see some failure over time. Most insurers won’t cover damage they attribute to standard wear and tear. 
• Neglected maintenance. Regular upkeep can sometimes prevent your home from incurring storm damage. If an insurer thinks you failed to maintain your home properly, they may reject your claim. 

How to File a Wind Damage Insurance Claim 

To submit a wind damage claim, you have a few steps to follow. Keep in mind that you should file as soon as possible, as the timeframe you have to make storm damage claims is usually slim. Here’s what to do: 

1. Take the necessary steps to prevent further damage to your home after the storm. Keep all receipts and invoices, as these expenses are covered as part of your claim for wind damage.
2. Write down the date of the storm. If you can, find and save news articles about the event as proof. 
3. Document all damage with photos and video. If the damage is up on your roof, document what you can see from the ground. 
4. Consult trusted contractors to estimate the cost of repair. Try to get a written estimate. 
5. Meet with a claims adjuster and provide all the evidence you’ve gathered. 
6. Wait for a claim offer letter. If your claim is denied, you can request an evaluation with a different adjuster. You may also be able to request that the adjuster reinspect the home with a licensed contractor. 

Unsure if you even need to file a claim? Submitting too many claims in a single year can increase your insurance premiums and make it difficult to obtain further coverage. If the damage is minimal, it may be worth it to cover the cost of repairs yourself. 

Wind Damage Prevention Tips 

Being covered for wind damage is important, but prevention methods can reduce your risk of damage in the first place. Here’s what you can do at home to protect yourself from wind-based losses. 

• Prune overgrown trees and eliminate dead ones.
• Keep up with roofing repairs and inspect your roof frequently for damage. 
• Anchor outdoor structures to the ground.
• Reinforce windows and doors.
• Install storm shutters.
• Bring outdoor items indoors when possible.
• Chain down patio furniture and large outdoor appliances.

Protecting Your Home With Wind Damage Preparedness 

Though high winds are a serious hazard for any property, a homeowner’s insurance plan adds a much-needed layer of protection. But while coverage can be extensive, keep an eye out for factors that could have your claim denied. As always, taking care of your home now could prevent damage and costly repairs in the future. 

When it comes to insurance, knowledge is your most valuable asset. Visit Claim Guide today for more guidance. 

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Reviewed by Steve Glass

Steve Glass is a retired insurance professional with over 34 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry. Over the course of his career, Steve led teams that handled property and casualty claims, auto medical claims, auto bodily injury claims, catastrophe claims and insurance subrogation recovery efforts. He also has experience as an Insurance Subrogation Arbitrator.