Windstorm Insurance

Windstorm insurance is a type of property-casualty insurance that protects policyholders from property damage caused by gales, high winds, hail, and other erratic weather. Windstorm insurance, a subset of storm insurance, is typically offered as a rider on a standard casualty insurance policy via the extended coverage endorsement.

How Windstorm Insurance Works

Windstorm insurance covers the types of extremely gusty events, such as hurricanes and cyclones, that are frequently considered vis major and, as a result, may be excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. Those who live in areas where this type of peril is a possibility must purchase this additional coverage to protect themselves. This category includes residents of coastal and midwestern states where hurricanes and tornadoes are common.

Windstorm insurance typically covers physical damage to property as well as personal belongings inside the home. Many policies cover detached structures like garages and sheds as well. Rain and debris can cause additional damage when high winds damage roofs and windows. Most policies will cover repairs in such cases as long as the claim is filed soon after the event.

Windstorms are sometimes followed by storm surges and flooding, but windstorm insurance typically does not cover damage caused by rising waters. Flood insurance from the federal government must be purchased separately and takes 30 days to take effect.

Filing a Windstorm Insurance Claim

A policyholder must follow certain steps in order to file a windstorm insurance claim. The most important thing to remember is to act quickly. Many policies limit the amount of time you have to file a claim for storm damage. This is frequently due to the fact that failing to address problems promptly can result in further damage later on.

A windstorm insurance policyholder should do the following immediately following a windstorm:

  1. Save news articles about the storm and the storm date as proof.
  2. Assess and document all damage seen from the ground with photos and/or video.
  3. Request that at least two reputable contractors inspect the property and provide written damage estimates.
  4. Contact their insurance company's claims department, provide all of the information they have gathered, and request a visit from a claims adjuster.
  5. To ensure a fair assessment, have one of the contractors present during the insurance adjuster's inspection.
  6. If your claim is denied, you can ask for another evaluation. Policyholders are entitled to three separate meetings with insurance adjusters.