Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?
Like anything else, the structures of houses will succumb to damage. Even the most high-quality materials won’t last forever, and natural wear and tear will impact your home’s exterior. Along with normal aging, storm damage can lead to major issues and hasten when you need to replace elements of your home.
As you already know, Minnesota weather can be unpredictable, and home repairs like a new roof don’t come cheap. But what about homeowners insurance? Let’s look at what homeowners insurance really covers after a storm.
Do You Have Proof of Storm Damage?
If a storm has damaged your roof, siding, windows, or gutters, chances are your insurance will cover it.
But there’s a catch.
Some insurance companies will want proof that a storm actually caused damage to your property. Insurance companies will use the Beaufort Scale to observe the storm's wind speeds and determine if the damage to your home was really caused by it.
Similarly, if you notice storm damage, it’s important to do what you can to gather proof. You can take videos, pictures, and more independently or with a certified inspector's help. Although, it’s essential to remember that your insurance company may still come out to assess things themselves.
What Kind of Storm Damage Is Covered?
Homeowners insurance will usually cover common types of storm damage, such as:
How much damage is covered is a different story, however. The type of damage and the extent of that damage will be calculated in the coverage you may receive.
Double-checking your policy before a severe storm hits is always a good idea.
What’s Not Covered?
What’s not covered in your homeowner's insurance will vary depending on where you live. For instance, if you live in New Brighton, Minnesota, you won’t have to worry about earthquake damage.
If you have to worry about earthquakes, homeowners insurance DOES NOT cover it – along with flooding. For these types of natural disasters, separate policies are needed.
Personal Items & Other Amenities
The difference between personal items and amenities being covered by homeowner’s insurance is all in the fine print. Depending on your provider, certain amenities like a fence or shed becoming damaged may or not be covered.
Your personal items, however, are a different story. Items like grills, yard furniture, and garden tools may require “contents insurance,” which has different policies aside from homeowner’s insurance.
Signs of Storm Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore
Whether you need to pay for the storm damage yourself or can get your homeowner’s insurance to cover it, some types of storm damage shouldn’t be ignored. While some damage is minor, other issues can be more dangerous.
Here are signs of storm damage you shouldn’t ignore:
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Indented or depressions in the roof that could lead to water damage.
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Rot or mold in the roofing systems.
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A sagging roof, as this means the roof may be about to collapse.
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Missing shingles or tiles.
If you notice these signs, it’s important to contact a roofing professional immediately. At Apple Exteriors, we will assess the state of your roof and give you a report on the findings. From there, we can develop a comprehensive roof repair plan.
What to Do If You Need Storm Damage Repairs
Suspect you need storm damage repairs? Here are the overall steps you should take if you need to get storm damage repairs:
If you need storm damage repairs, you next should find a reliable roofing contractor. At Apple Exteriors, we will give you our repair plan and a quote for the services. We can also develop a report on our findings to help you communicate with your insurance so you can start the claims process.
We can also assist you with financing options.
Get Help With Storm Damage Restoration & Insurance
If there’s recently been a storm that has damaged any part of your exterior and you’re not sure what your insurance covers, then Apple Exteriors has your back!
We offer insurance assistance to ensure you get maximum coverage on all your storm damage. We also offer financing if your insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost.
Schedule a free inspection online or call us at 763-36-APPLE (651-362-7753) today!
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