Storm Damage
Get Immediate Help When You Have Storm Damage
Storm damage refers to the destruction caused to properties and infrastructure by severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail storms, and wind storms. The damage can range from minor cosmetic damages such as broken windows, to more severe damages such as structural damage to buildings, and even complete destruction of homes and businesses.
Trees may also be knocked down, power lines may be downed, and flooding may occur. The extent of the damage depends on the severity of the storm and the vulnerability of the location and structures in its path. In addition to physical damage, storm damage can also result in displacement of residents and financial loss for affected individuals and communities.
It is important for individuals and communities to be prepared for potential storm damage by having adequate insurance coverage and an emergency plan in place.
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Types of Damages
Hail
Tornado
Hurricane / Tropical Storm
Wind / Windstorm
Lighting
Tropical Storm
Storm Damage
Wind / Windstorm
High-velocity winds can damage your residence or business property in a matter of minutes. In the event you sustain damage, you should take the necessary steps to protect your property from further damage while your claim is being assessed. You may use tarps to cover exposed areas (such as roof, siding, broken windows, etc.) to protect the interior from water damage. High winds, or wind-driven rain, can loosen, fold or rip off shingles, cause debris to fly into your property or cause trees to fall. Check your policy to be sure it covers wind, as most damage during a storm is deemed as wind-driven rain.
Tornado
One of the most terrifying property damage types to experience is a tornado; they can unleash catastrophic loss in just minutes. Due to the severity and emergency nature of tornado claims, there are certain considerations that apply specifically to these claims. In most cases, you must be able to prove that the water damage was a direct result from the exterior damage that the tornado created.
High winds from a tornado can tear off roofs, overturn vehicles, and affect the structural integrity of buildings. If rain were to follow thereafter, it would cause extensive damage by entering the damaged property’s openings. This is why a Public Adjuster is key following tornado damage. You may even need to use other endorsements such as mold coverage, loss of use, law and ordinance, or even a supplemental policy for fold damage.
Hail
If a hailstorm is severe enough, visible damages should be obvious and undisputed on your roof and/or siding. With many hail claims however, there will be other issues you will face– such as the scope of damages and the dollar amount your insurance adjuster says you are going to get paid varying given the insurance policy terms and conditions.
A common issue that arises is if you will be paid to replace the complete roof or if a patch job will be offered as a partial repair. The next question is if the insurance adjuster will apply depreciation to your roof and if so, is it fair and reasonable? Do you know the questions to ask as well as what you are entitled to from a hail event? Your roof is one of the most important building components of your property; be sure to have the damages documented and the adjustment process completed professionally to get properly indemnified for your loss.
Lighting Damage
What happens if something gets struck by lightning? Typically, lightning tries to find the fastest route to the ground and if it hits your structure it will travel through the fastest available routes to the ground. Normally this includes electrical wiring, plumbing, cable or telephone lines, antennas or satellite dishes, and/or steel framework. The primary reason you should remain indoors during a thunderstorm is because buildings typically have an abundance of grounding paths. When lightning does hit your property it can cause major damage to your electrical appliances and plumbing– even causing it to catch on fire and cause smoke damage.
Hurricane / Tropical Storm
Hurricanes are so taxing to the insurance industry as they are to provide claim assistance and resolution to many people in such a short time. As a result, claim adjusters are brought in from remote locations that are often part time or inexperienced adjusters– overburdened with claim assignments or uniformed about local building codes. As a result, property and business owners are at a huge disadvantage to quickly be made whole.
Wind vs Flood. Often with hurricanes, properties are damaged by both flood waters associated with storm surge, broken levees, or flooding that occurs from the massive rainfall as well as extremely high winds causing damage to siding, roofs, windows and more. As regular and wind-only insurance policies do not cover flooding and vice versa, insurance companies often point to the other as the cause of loss. This is when having the expert opinion of a public adjuster to sort through the various damages can be incredibly beneficial.
