How to Get Wind and Hail Insurance Coverage?
When the storm has passed and the damage is done, what’s next? The claims process kicks in. Documenting damage adequately is vital, and may include taking ample photos, and videos, and even getting professional inspections to determine the extent of damage. Once you’ve documented the damage, filing a claim quickly is crucial. This involves calling your insurer’s claims center and potentially scheduling a visit from a claim adjuster.
A claims associate will then review your policy and determine covered damages while documenting property damages, which sometimes require deciphering the primary cause of damage—wind or water. After the damage has been inspected by the insurance company, they must agree on the cost of repairs before any permanent repairs are made. But how can you prepare for potential windstorm events?
Preparing for Potential Windstorm Events
Preparation is key to minimizing damage to your home from windstorm events. Here are some steps you can take to prevent potential windstorm damage:
Regular home inspections are essential, particularly for identifying weak roofing elements.
Replace heavy landscaping materials with lighter ones.
Trim trees and shrubbery.
Ensure the resilience of your roofing materials against high winds.
Install window protection measures like storm shutters or temporary plywood covers.
By following these steps, you can help protect your home from windstorm damage.
Additionally, weatherproofing your home by maintaining doors and window seals and checking for missing bolts and loose hinges can protect against storm damage. Vehicles can also be safeguarded from storm damage by parking them in garages or using securely strapped car covers. But what happens when you need to file a claim after a severe storm?
Filing a Claim After a Severe Storm
Filing a claim post-storm should be done swiftly due to insurance companies’ time limits on the claim process. To document storm damage, it’s important to note the storm’s date, safely take pictures of visible damage, and corroborate your claim with news stories on the storm.
When preparing to file a claim, you need to review your insurance policy, gather documentation, and obtain repair estimates from contractors. It’s recommended to have the repair contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection to ensure a fair assessment of the claim.
Next, let’s talk about customizing your policy.
