2024-01-01 · home, claims

Home Insurance and Wind Damage Claims

Overview

Wind damage claims are common after storms, hurricanes, and severe weather. Homeowners insurance typically covers sudden wind damage to the roof, siding, windows, and interior—often under the dwelling portion of the policy. The key is documenting the cause, preventing further damage, and understanding wind or hurricane deductibles before filing.

What wind damage typically covers

Most standard homeowners policies cover damage caused by wind or hail, including:

Roof damage: missing shingles, punctures, or torn underlayment.
Siding damage: cracked or lifted panels from high winds or debris.
Window or door damage: broken panes or blown-in frames.
Interior damage: water that enters after wind damages the roof or windows.
Detached structures: garages, sheds, or fences, depending on your policy.

Common exclusions and limitations

Wind losses can be denied or limited when:

Damage is from wear and tear or poor roof maintenance.
Pre-existing roof issues existed before the storm.
Flooding caused the damage (requires flood insurance).
Cosmetic damage is excluded by endorsement (common for metal roofs).
Separate hurricane/wind deductibles apply in coastal or high-risk zones.

Immediate steps after wind damage

Your actions right after the storm matter for the claim outcome.

Ensure safety first: avoid downed power lines and unstable trees.
Prevent further damage: use tarps or temporary patches when safe.
Document everything: photos/video of the roof, interior, and yard debris.
Keep receipts: materials for temporary repairs and emergency lodging.
Contact your insurer quickly: report the loss and request guidance.

How wind deductibles work

Wind and hurricane deductibles can be higher than standard deductibles and are often a percentage of dwelling coverage (e.g., 1%–5%). For example, a 2% deductible on a $300,000 dwelling limit means a $6,000 deductible.

Ask your insurer:

Whether your wind deductible is separate from your all-peril deductible.
How the deductible is calculated for multi-structure losses.
Whether the loss date or storm designation triggers a hurricane deductible.

What to document for a faster claim

Strong documentation speeds up adjuster approvals and prevents disputes.

Wide and close-up photos of roof, siding, and interior damage.
Before-and-after photos if available (older listings or inspection reports help).
Repair estimates from licensed roofers or contractors.
A timeline of when damage occurred and when you discovered it.
Any temporary repair invoices and mitigation reports.

How insurers inspect wind damage

Adjusters may inspect the roof directly or send an independent engineer. They look for:

Wind creasing or lifted shingles that indicate storm impact.
Directional patterns consistent with wind gusts.
Hail hits or debris marks.
Evidence of prior repairs or aged materials.

If the insurer questions coverage, ask for the adjuster’s report and clarify whether damage is attributed to the storm date.

Partial vs full roof replacements

Insurers may pay for spot repairs if only a small section is damaged. However, you may qualify for a full replacement when:

Repairs would reduce the roof’s integrity.
The roof is brittle or shingles are discontinued.
State matching laws require uniform appearance.

Know your state’s matching rules and ask your adjuster how they apply.

Should you file a wind claim?

Consider the cost of repairs compared to your deductible.

Below deductible: you may be better paying out of pocket.
High deductible: get contractor estimates before filing.
Large losses: claims typically make sense, especially for roof replacement.

If you are unsure, request a contractor inspection first so you have a realistic repair estimate.

Next steps

Review your roof’s age, materials, and maintenance history so you can answer adjuster questions quickly. If you live in a wind-prone area, ask about discounts for fortified roofs, impact-resistant shingles, or wind mitigation credits. Keeping an annual roof inspection record can also strengthen future claims.