Storm, Wind & Hurricane

Often in part. Wind damage is commonly covered by a homeowners policy or, in some coastal counties, a TWIA windstorm policy, usually with a percentage deductible. Storm surge and rising water are flood, which standard policies commonly exclude, so one storm can produce claims under two or three policies.

It is a separate deductible that applies to wind losses from certain storms, usually a percentage of the dwelling limit instead of a flat amount. A 2 percent deductible on a home insured for 400,000 dollars is 8,000 dollars. Check which deductible the carrier applied and what value it used.

Causation is a factual question that is answered with evidence, including high-water marks, debris lines, the pattern of material failure, the order of interior damage and the storm timeline at your address. Where wind made an opening first, the damage that followed may be treated differently.

Many homeowners policies cover damage to the structure from a fallen tree, along with some removal cost, whether the tree was yours or a neighbor's. Removal of a tree that fell without hitting anything insured is often limited or excluded.

As soon as the property is safe to inspect, since most policies require prompt notice. Photograph the damage before temporary repairs, keep receipts for tarping and board-up, and do not throw away damaged material until it has been documented.