Getting The Most From Hurricane And Wind Damage Claims

Hurricane Insurance

In areas where hurricane damage is common, there is no specific “hurricane insurance” available – since storm damage is covered by your standard homeowner’s insurance policy. However not all damage is covered by it, and most people do not know how to get the full amount they deserve ‘ leading to a big amount of controversy on the topic. In this article we will inform you on what the best course of action is.

Hurricane Damage Facts

According to the insurance analytics firm ISO, the damage done by hurricanes in the last decade is measured at around 150 billion US dollars. This includes not only the damage on homes and business offices, but also lost financial benefits – lost wages in the wake of a hurricane are recoverable with the right legal approach. However many people cannot even recover a significant portion of what has been lost in one – so it is important to know what is covered by the insurance policies and what additional ones exist.

Hurricane Insurance Coverage

Knowing the ins and outs of the insurance claim process is essential for collecting all the money you are entitled to. When it comes to wind damage coverage it is important to keep in mind that:

• Widespread disasters make the claim resolution difficult due to the cost to claim representatives
• Differences between wind and flood coverage might complicate the recovery
• Hiring a public adjuster is generally the right approach – since adjusters work for you and not in favor of the insurance company
• Many wind insurance policies specify a higher deductible for wind and hail damage, compared to other claims. In some areas it is even excluded from the policies – requiring a separate wind hazard coverage.

Water Damage Coverage

A typical homeowner’s policy does cover water damage, but that excludes damage from flooding. So while rain damage to your ceiling might be recoverable, it is unlikely that your policy will cover flood damage from a hurricane – you need a complementary policy for that.

Flood Damage Statistics And Coverage

The chance of flood damage to a home in a high-risk area in Florida for a 30 year period has been calculated at about 26%. Therefore the standard homeowner’s insurance policy cannot cover it and the insurance that does is significantly more expensive.

Hurricane Deductibles

Nineteen states have hurricane deductibles – Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington DC. It is important that residents of these states conduct their own risk management and plan their insurance policies accordingly. Our recommendation is to consider the additional policies that cover a wider range of hurricane and wind damage.

However regardless of your policy, we cannot stress enough how important it is to consult a trusted party with your claim – otherwise you might be missing out on money you are owed.

Professional Hurricane And Wind Damage Claim Advice

In many cases, you are eligible for a recovery of lost wages due to a hurricane. While these are not covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, depending on where you work your employer might be required to pay them to you.

What your homeowner’s insurance might cover are living expenses while evacuated. To be reimbursed for those you are required to keep all receipts in order to prove your expenditures.

There are many expenses that you might not be aware are reimbursable. Do not lose this money.