The arrival of the summer season brings its own troubles―one being the uptick in summer storms. While tornadoes are common in the months of May and June, hurricane season runs June through November. But summer storms can occur all summer! With these high-wind storms comes the risk of severe damage to your home. One of the most common types of property damage claims is water damage… and one of those causes is storms and tornadoes.
If your home suffers water damage from a storm, it’s important to act right away to start the remediation process. Unfortunately, there are instances when the insurance company will not cover water damage. So, how do you know which is which?
Of course, the best thing to do is read over your policy, or even contact your insurance company and go over the policy with a representative. But, in general, here is some standard policy information to help you understand your coverage.
Generally, standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover water damage as a result of a tornado or storm if the water damage is due to rain, hail, or snow, falling from above. For example, if the wind damaged your roof during a storm, resulting in water entering your home, the water damage that ensued would be covered. If, however, your home is flooded due to rising waters (the result of a storm), that is considered a “flood” and may not be covered by a standard homeowners’ policy.
Most policies include other damage related to storms and tornadoes, like roof damage, collapsing trees, wind, etc. But some standard homeowners’ insurance policies might not list windstorms (and thus tornadoes) as a covered peril. Further, some policies have wind exclusions that reduce or eliminate coverage for wind damage. That’s why it’s imperative to have a good understanding of your policy (or hire someone who can help you sift through it) so you know what you’re up against.
Keep in mind that during the appraisal process, if the insurance adjusters find that you have not adequately maintained your property (the roof was aging, the trees were dying, etc.), your water damage claim may be denied. (More on how we can help with that in a minute.)
Once you have a solid understanding of your policy, it’s time to move forward to get your property back to the way it was before the damage took place. Remember, water (which can lead to mold) can have disastrous long-term effects on the integrity of your home and eventually the health of your family. It’s imperative to begin remediation right away to save the integrity of your home. If you find that you can’t stay in your home while the work is being done, or the damage is too severe, many policies include loss of use coverage, which may cover your cost-of-living expenses above what you’d normally spend. This may include a hotel and meals eaten out while your home is being repaired or replaced, though it may only last for a set number of days.
Remember, water claims in general, are considered to be expensive and insurance companies can find many different arguments to not have to pay up. But don’t let that deter you. Your best course of action? Work with a public adjuster that understands the nuances of your policy to help you make a full recovery!
At Michigan Fire Claims, we employ and work with the best professionals in the industry: appraisers, public adjusters, restoration contractors, negotiators, and more, to assure you are getting the best settlement you are entitled to. Our knowledgeable and experienced appraisers and negotiators will be there to help you avoid a denied claim―that’s their job.
With us, you have the peace of mind to know that your claim is adequately documented, your losses correctly appraised, and when it comes to negotiating, you are on a level playing field with the insurance company, without having to resort to more expensive, legal action. Our team of experts can help you get a head start on your home’s remediation process and help you make a speedy financial recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation or site inspection.
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