If you’ve recently been struck by a windstorm, chances are that your home insurance covers the damage. Most home insurance policies cover sudden or accidental damage—even if you’re only missing some shingles.

However, because claims for wind damage are so common, there are different coverage levels and limits that might prevent you from getting the payout you expect.

Here’s what you need to know about home insurance for wind damage to make sure that you’re protected, with some help from home and

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What does a home insurance policy consider wind damage?

Home insurance policies consider most damage caused by wind in any storm to be wind damage. Wind damage typically includes damage involving hailstorms, thunderstorms, or other weather events with high-speed winds.

However, some policies treat severe weather events like hurricanes as policy add-ons and don’t include them in windstorm coverage.

If you’re in a high-risk area for hurricanes, check your policy to make sure these hazards are covered.

Types of wind damage covered by home insurance

The dwelling coverage in your home insurance policy covers most types of wind damage, from tornadoes to nor’easters. However, every home insurance policy differs, so it’s important to treat this as a general guide and consult your policy for specific details.

Partial damage

Your home insurance policy may cover a roof replacement for partial damage. For instance, if high-speed winds knocked off or damaged some of the shingles on your roof, you can still make a claim. Your insurance adjuster would simply determine the impact on your roof’s lifespan to determine how much you are owed.

Additional structures

If your home insurance policy includes additional structures coverage, wind damage to your garage, shed, or fence may also be covered.

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value

When it comes to wind damage your home insurance policy will cover either replacement cost value or actual cash value. It’s important to understand the difference because it affects the cash amount of your coverage.

Replacement cost value

If you have replacement cost insurance, your claim will cover the cost to replace your damaged property with a new item. If your roof is damaged in a windstorm, it will cover the full cost to repair it or replace it with a new roof.

Actual cash value

Actual cash coverage factors in the current condition and worth of your property, taking depreciation into account. A wind-damaged roof, in this case, will be covered for its current worth and you’ll need to pay the difference for a new roof.

For this reason, replacement cost insurance is the more popular option. The drawback is that it often involves higher premiums.

Key Takeaway: Replacement cost coverage will cover the full cost to repair or replace your property–making it the more popular coverage option.

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What isn’t covered by home insurance

Weathering and pests

Your home insurance policy won’t cover general maintenance repairs due to wear and tear. It also won’t cover damage from birds, rodents, insects/termites, rust, rot, or mold. This damage isn’t considered sudden or accidental, but a matter of neglect in most cases.

When you submit a claim, the damage needs to be assessed. If your roof was in poor condition before an extreme weather event, it will be much harder to determine the cause of the damage. Don’t let wear and tear or pests keep you from getting reimbursed for the full cost of your roof.

Floods and earthquakes

You will likely need additional insurance to cover floods, earthquakes, sinkholes, and landslides, as standard home insurance does not cover these catastrophes. Floods and earth movement affect multiple households at once and insurers don’t want the extra liability without additional fees. If there is flooding due to an internal issue, like a burst pipe, then you may be eligible for coverage.

Rather than assuming you are covered and ending up with costly repairs, review your policy to fully understand any limits and exclusions.

What will a roof damage claim cover?

Home insurance policies will typically cover sudden or accidental damage to your roof–including damage from windstorms.

Depending on your policy, you may be covered for the full cost of a roof replacement or repair.

Keep in mind that the age, material, and condition of your roof are factored into your claim. If you have a metal roof, for instance, cosmetic damage from projectiles might not be covered.

Tips for filing a claim

Review your home insurance policy. Make sure you’re covered for the damage before you spend countless hours battling for repair costs. Take into account your type of coverage as well–replacement cost vs. actual cash value–to make sure you’re getting what you deserve.

Assess the damage. First, make sure that the area is safe, then check the area for any damage. Document as much of it as you can with photos, short videos, and take note of all damage with dates and times.

Get an estimate for repair from a roofing company. Your claim adjuster might not be the best person to determine the repair or replacement cost of your roof. Get a calculation from your roofing company with their contact details for your reference.

Make your claim quickly. The last thing you want is for the wind damage to look like normal wear and tear. Submit your claim as soon as you can to simplify the process.

Maintain good notes and a paper trail. Keep records of your conversations so that you’re prepared when more information is needed. The more documentation you keep handy, the easier it will be to defend your claim should the need arise.

Ask for help. If you need assistance, ask

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for advice. Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that offers end-to-end support, gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy. Call us at 1-833-445-3779 or text us via our help button in the app.

Protecting your home from wind damage

Protect your property with routine maintenance. Remember–home insurance policies don’t cover normal wear and tear. Maintaining your property is key to getting the payout you deserve.

Remove dead or dying trees. If your policy doesn’t cover additional structures, you might find yourself in a pinch when a windstorm sends a dead tree into your fence. Stay on the safe side and remove dead trees and debris.

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How to get a home and auto insurance bundle to save money

Finding affordable insurance

If you’re facing wind damage or damage of any kind, you deserve the best protection. With the right insurance company and policy on your side, rest assured that you’ll be protected when nature strikes.

If you’re hesitant to update your insurance or switch providers because you’re worried about the time and work involved, don’t be! The

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app can collect quotes from more than 50 top insurance companies, like Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive, in seconds. They even help cancel your old policy when you’re ready to maximize your savings.

Updating your policy or insurance provider shouldn’t be costly—in fact, you will likely save money!

Get the protection your home deserves with

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What qualifies as wind damage?

Typically, the damage from most wind-related–from tornadoes to hail storms– qualify as wind damage. Consult your home insurance policy to make sure that you’re protected in the event of severe weather.

Does insurance cover roof damage from wind?

The short answer is yes: home insurance covers roof damage from wind. Make sure you review your policy to find out the level of your coverage, so you can avoid expensive repair costs.

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