The Complete Guide to Storm Damage Insurance Claims

Storms can cause significant challenges for property owners. Strong winds, heavy rains, hail, or even snow can leave homes and businesses with broken windows, damaged roofs, and water intrusion. In these situations, understanding how storm damage insurance claims work can be the difference between a manageable recovery and major financial burdens. 

The Morgan Law Group supports individuals and businesses with storm damage claims in many states all across the country

Here’s your complete guide to property insurance, storm damage claim processes, and critical steps for protecting your interests.

How Storm Damage Insurance Claims Work

Property or home insurance claims from storm damage generally begin with reviewing your policy to see what is covered. Policies vary, and each state may have unique rules governing claim deadlines and coverage limitations. 

Key steps often involved in storm damage claims include:

• Document the Damage: Take photos and videos immediately to capture the property’s condition.
• Report to Your Insurer: Submit your storm damage report as soon as possible to avoid missed deadlines.
• Assessment and Adjustment: Your insurer will usually send an adjuster to review the storm damage, estimate repair costs, and determine what your policy covers.
• Claim Resolution: Once the assessment is complete, the insurer will decide how much, if anything, it will pay. If the settlement is insufficient or the home insurance claim is denied, consulting storm damage claim lawyers is often beneficial.

How to Find Out What Storms Your Insurance Covers

Many home or property insurance policies list the specific events they cover, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, or windstorms. However, some insurance policies may exclude floods or earthquake-related damage unless separate coverage is purchased. Reviewing the declarations page of your policy is a good place to start.

If you live in a hurricane-prone region like Florida or Louisiana, you might see separate hurricane deductibles. Areas such as California or Colorado might have unique endorsements for wildfires or winter storms. 

Checking local insurance laws that your state regulates can help clarify whether certain storms require separate or additional coverage. If there is any confusion, consulting a storm damage attorney can bring clarity.

How to Decide if Insurance Coverage for Storm Damage Is a Good Idea for You

The decision to carry property insurance often hinges on:

• Location: Properties near coasts or areas with frequent extreme weather may face more risk.
• Property Value: High-value properties typically benefit from the added security of a property insurance rider.
• Budget: Balancing the cost of premiums against potential repair expenses is essential.

If you live in states – like Florida, where hurricanes are common – having a dedicated policy for storm damage is a wise precaution. In others, a general homeowner’s policy might already cover many storm events, but it is crucial to verify the specific coverage provisions.

What Types of Storm Damages Are Covered by Home or Property Insurance

Typical property insurance coverage might pay for:

• Roof repair or replacement
• Broken windows and damaged siding
• Water damage (when caused by a covered event)
• Structural harm from strong winds or hail
• Personal belongings destroyed or damaged as a result of the storm

However, not all policies offer the same scope. Some policies might exclude wind-driven rain, or they might cover wind but exclude flooding. Always confirm the details in your insurance policy and review any endorsements or exclusions that could impact your storm damage insurance claims.

What Types of Storms Can Your Property Be Insured Against

Many standard property insurance policies or supplemental storm damage insurance endorsements cover losses from:

• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Hailstorms
• Windstorms
• Severe thunderstorms
• Winter storms with heavy snowfall or ice

States like Colorado, where hailstorms are frequent, often require explicit coverage for hail damage. In Florida, policies typically include hurricane provisions but may require policyholders to pay a separate hurricane deductible.

The Difference Between Residential & Commercial Property Insurance Coverage

Property insurance coverage for residential properties (like single-family homes) often focuses on structural elements, personal possessions, and temporary living expenses if residents must relocate. 

Commercial property insurance coverage, on the other hand, may include business interruption coverage that compensates for lost revenue while the property is repaired. Commercial policies also often have higher coverage limits and may address unique aspects of running a business – such as equipment, inventory, or specialized machinery.

Whether seeking residential or commercial property insurance coverage, property owners can benefit from speaking with a storm damage lawyer who understands the coverage limits and potential defenses insurers might raise.

What Property Can Be Insured Against Storm Damage

Nearly any type of real property can be covered, including single-family homes, condominiums, office buildings, warehouses, retail shops, and industrial complexes. 

Personal belongings within these structures may also be protected, depending on your policy terms. Some policies extend to detached structures like sheds or detached garages, though additional endorsements might be required. 

To ensure your property is protected, verify with your insurer whether the policy addresses each property type and item you value.

How to File an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage

Although each insurer might have a slightly different process, filing a storm damage insurance claim typically involves:

• Gathering Evidence: Photos, videos, and detailed notes about the damage.
• Prompt Notification: Report the storm damage to your insurer within any deadlines stated in your policy or local insurance regulations. States, such as North Carolina or Tennessee, have specific timeframes for hurricane or tornado-related claims.
• Maintaining Records: Keep all receipts for temporary repairs or living expenses if you must relocate.
• Seeking Professional Legal Guidance: If you face challenges during the claim process, storm damage claim lawyers can provide insight into insurance codes and help ensure fair treatment.

What Providers Evaluate for Property Damage Insurance Claims

When reviewing storm damage claims, insurers consider multiple factors:

• Cause of the Damage: They check if the damage arose from a covered storm event or from wear and tear.
• Policy Limits: The maximum dollar amount your policy pays for storm-related damage.
• Exclusions: Flooding might not be covered without an additional endorsement.
• Deductibles: Some policies have specific storm or hurricane deductibles.

In Florida, for example, property owners may face a separate hurricane deductible that only applies if a storm is officially declared a hurricane by the National Weather Service. Understanding this factor among many can streamline your property insurance claims process.

What to Do When Your Storm Damage Insurance Claim Is Denied

Insurers can deny storm damage insurance claims for various reasons, including alleged policy exclusions or insufficient documentation of the damage. A denial is not always final. 

If a valid storm damage claim is wrongfully denied, policyholders have the right to dispute the insurer’s decision and, if necessary, pursue legal action. Consulting a storm damage attorney can lead to a thorough review of the policy language, evaluation of evidence, and direct negotiations with the insurer.

If the denial persists, property owners might consider:

• Requesting a re-evaluation by another adjuster.
• Obtaining independent estimates from licensed contractors.
• Filing a formal complaint with the state’s Department of Insurance.
• Hiring storm damage claim lawyers to seek a settlement or file lawsuit, if warranted.

Safeguarding property from a windstorm, hailstorm, hurricane, or other severe storms often requires an in-depth understanding of storm damage insurance claims. The Morgan Law Group serves property owners in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. 

If you need guidance to protect your rights and pursue a fair storm damage claim settlement, consider our storm damage lawyers from our team. Call us at (866) 969-4968 or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.