What Property Can Be Insured Against Storm Damage

Storm damage is more than a mere inconvenience; it can affect roofs, siding, foundations, and personal belongings in ways that may force occupants to relocate or suspend operations. Securing property insurance helps alleviate concerns about unexpected losses and ensures that an insured property is protected should a major storm pass through. 

When deciding on a property insurance policy, one of the crucial things to consider is what types of property can be insured when storm damage happens. Having an understanding of storm damage insurance coverage options can be essential for property owners, and The Morgan Law Group stands ready to assist as storm damage attorneys whenever support is needed.

Let’s identify the types of property that qualify for storm damage coverage, along with key points worth considering when deciding on a policy or filing a storm damage insurance claim. 

1. Residential Property

Homes throughout the country often endure various weather events every year. Tropical storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms can harm roofs, siding, windows, and even interior structures. While the scope of storm damage can differ from one event to another, most homeowners’ policies provide coverage designed to repair or replace parts of the home.

• Dwelling Coverage: This coverage usually takes care of damages sustained by a home’s framework. For instance, if a thunderstorm dislodges shingles or cracks a chimney, storm damage insurance may pay for the replacements and repairs.
• Other Structures: Toolsheds, garages, fences, and gazebos also constitute insured property under many standard homeowner policies. If powerful winds knock over a large tree branch that crushes an outdoor structure, it may be covered under the plan’s “other structures” clause.
• Personal Property: Basic plans often extend to belongings stored in the house, such as furniture, electronics, or clothing. Should a severe hailstorm or high winds cause water leaks, it’s possible that personal items destroyed in the process will be addressed through storm damage coverage.

Staying aware of policy limits and specific exclusions is wise, as certain weather-related threats—like flooding from external sources—may not fall under standard storm damage coverage.

2. Commercial Property

Business establishments also benefit from property insurance that includes coverage for potential storm damage. But take note that there is a difference between residential and commercial property insurance coverage. 

A variety of structures can qualify for storm damage including:

• Office Buildings and Retail Spaces: Heavy rain, wind, or hail can dent siding, shatter windows, or flood interiors. Repairs may demand significant funds, and downtime can lead to financial losses. Storm damage insurance specific to commercial property typically covers structural damages, which can save owners from overwhelming bills.
• Warehouses and Factories: Big facilities hold valuable merchandise or manufacturing equipment. A significant storm damage event may destroy inventory or disrupt the building’s structural integrity. Ensuring the property is adequately covered through insured property provisions is vital for a speedy return to normal operations.
• Rental Properties: Owners renting buildings to tenants should verify that their policies address wind and hail events, since those can severely affect roofs, windows, and interior fixtures. Coverage for lost rental income can also help during the time it takes to restore the property.

In every instance, a thorough review of terms, deductibles, and possible exclusions in property insurance is beneficial. When coverage disputes arise, storm damage claim attorneys can provide support to pursue an appropriate settlement.

3. Condominium and Townhome Coverage

Residents in condominiums and townhomes need protection for their units in addition to potential coverage by the homeowners’ association (HOA). 

Many times, the HOA’s master policy only addresses external structures or “common areas,” while unit owners are responsible for personal possessions and interiors. A direct policy that covers windows, fixtures, and improvements can serve as an extra layer of storm damage insurance for an insured property. 

Should storm damage coverage disputes emerge regarding whether damage is the HOA’s responsibility or the owner’s, consulting storm damage lawyers may clarify how to move forward.

4. Other Assets

Boats and artworks can also be protected under certain insurance policies in places where storms routinely threaten coastal areas; specialized property insurance riders can secure personal watercraft against potential hazards.

Tips for Securing Insurance Coverage Against Storm Damage 

Securing the right insurance coverage against storm damage is essential for protecting your property and financial well-being.

Here are some tips on how you can ensure that your property is insured when a storm caused damage:

• Identify Risk Factors: Different states see different weather threats. Colorado may contend with hail, Florida often faces hurricanes, and North Carolina might see powerful wind events. Tailoring storm damage insurance to the risks in your location can help avoid unexpected expenses later.
• Review Policy Limits: Confirm that coverage limits match the actual cost of rebuilding your home or replacing business assets. Inflation and rising construction costs may quickly outpace outdated limits, leaving gaps if storm damage occurs.
• Check Deductibles: Some states employ “hurricane deductibles” or “windstorm deductibles,” which can raise your out-of-pocket expenses. Understanding those deductibles helps property owners accurately plan financially for major weather events.
• Schedule Routine Inspections: A solid roof, intact windows, and well-maintained property can lower the likelihood of a storm damage claim. Insurance carriers often reward proactive maintenance with possible rate reductions or discounts.

By carefully evaluating local weather threats, adjusting policy limits and deductibles, and maintaining your property, you can effectively safeguard yourself against the financial impacts of storm damage.

Common Insurance Disputes in Storm Damage Claims

Despite holding a legitimate property insurance policy and paying premiums, owners can encounter obstacles from uncooperative insurance carriers. They may try to undervalue the cost of repairs or deny payments altogether. 

Delays in the storm damage claims process can further complicate repairs, or cause confusion about which parts of the property are officially considered insured property. In other cases, the insurer might blame the storm damage on prior wear and tear or a separate weather event not covered by the policy.

Should these disputes arise, storm damage attorneys can step in and argue for a policyholder’s rights. The Morgan Law Group can fulfill the role of storm damage lawyers for clients aiming to secure fair compensation.

Representing clients in multiple states – California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas – broadens our familiarity with local statutes, allowing us to adapt strategies to the unique insurance laws of each state. Whether it’s a homeowner trying to repair a roof or a commercial property owner rebuilding after destructive winds, our focus lies in advocating for policyholders seeking to recover from storm damage.

Call us at (866) 969-4968 or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your options for legal representation.