What is windstorm insurance?
Windstorm insurance, a particular type of property-casualty insurance, protects policyholders from property damage due to wind, hail, gales, and other unpredictable risks. As a rider on a standard casualty insurance policy, the extended coverage endorsement frequently offers windstorm insurance, a storm insurance subcategory.
How Windstorm Insurance Works
Hurricanes and cyclones, which are often seen as very significant occurrences and may thus be excluded from ordinary house insurance plans, are covered by windstorm insurance. Residents in places where this kind of risk is present must get this extra coverage to protect themselves. This group includes people living in coastal and midwestern areas with frequent hurricanes and tornadoes.
Generally speaking, windstorm insurance will pay for physical damage to the house and personal goods therein. A lot of insurance also covers detached buildings like sheds and garages. Rain and debris may further damage windows and roofs that strong winds have damaged. Most plans will pay for repairs in these situations if the claim is made quickly after the incident.
Storm surges and floods may occur after windstorms. However, windstorm insurance usually does not cover damage from these rising waters. The federal government’s flood insurance coverage takes 30 days to take effect. It has to be acquired separately.1. Windstorm insurance does not cover repairs or replacements for vehicles harmed by wind-tossed trees or other flying debris. To be covered by an automobile, one has to have comprehensive auto insurance.
Making a Claim on Your Windstorm Insurance
A policyholder must follow specific procedures to submit a windstorm insurance claim. The most crucial thing is to move fast. Several policies include a time restriction on how long it takes to submit a storm damage claim. This is often the case since delaying problem-solving might result in worse harm.
A windstorm insurance policyholder should do the following as soon as possible after a windstorm:
- Write down the storm date and keep news reports as documentation.
- From the ground, evaluate any damage you notice and document it with photos and videos.
- Get documented damage estimates and property inspections from at least two reliable contractors.
- Please contact their insurance company’s claims division, send along all the data they have collected, and ask for a claims adjuster to come out.
- To guarantee a fair evaluation, ask to have one of the contractors present when the insurance adjuster inspects the property.
- If a claim is rejected, ask to have it re-evaluated. Policyholders have the right to consult with three insurance adjusters in succession.
Conclusion
- A unique kind of property-casualty insurance known as windstorm insurance shields policyholders against property damage brought on by windy occurrences, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and gales.
- Windstorm insurance typically covers physical damage to property and personal possessions.
- Windstorm coverage is usually attached as a rider to a home’s insurance policy.
- Policies occasionally place restrictions on the amount of time you have to file a claim for windstorm damage.
