How to Navigate Property Damage Claims for Wind and Hail Damage

It’s spring here in Buckingham, which often means storms bringing high winds and hail. Hailstorms are some of the most damaging weather occurrences in the United States, causing millions of dollars in damage to buildings and property, and insurance companies commonly see an uptick in these property damage claims during the spring and summer months. As a home or business owner, you’ll want to understand your insurance coverage and how to navigate a property damage claim before this happens to you.

 

The Anatomy of a Hailstorm

Hail happens when strong updrafts form during large rainstorms, sending raindrops into higher altitudes where they freeze into pellets. These pellets are carried up and down within the storm, colliding with more water droplets and freezing into additional layers of ice. Once these pellets become too heavy to contain by the updraft, they fall to the ground as “hailstones,” depending on their size, they can damage anything they hit. 

Hail damage can range from cosmetic to serious structural, and as a property owner, you owe it to yourself to understand what you are covered for if your property sustains damage in a hailstorm. 

 

Have You Read Your Policy?

If you are like many people, after purchasing your homeowner’s policy and paying your premium, you receive a stack of insurance documents you file away. You felt comfortable that you and your home were covered against unforeseeable events. 

But lurking in the fine print of those documents that you neatly filed away may be many limitations and exclusions that can limit your ability to recover a sufficient insurance settlement should you ever have to file a damage claim. Before storm season hits, review your policy to fully understand what types of damage you’re covered for and your policy’s limitations. 

 

Understand Your Coverage

While most insurance policies consider hail damage a “covered peril,” insurance policies can vary greatly from insurance company to insurance company. Some policies have specific exclusions or limitations for hail and wind damage, and most have separate deductibles for these property claims. For instance, some policies now exclude cosmetic damage. 

Read your policy carefully so you understand the full scope of your coverage and what to expect if you’ve suffered damage to:

• Your roof – Most policies will cover hail damage to your roof, but your insurance company may limit coverage based on the age and condition of your roof. In most cases, insurance companies will only replace the specific damaged roof areas. When damage is significant or matching materials are unavailable, the insurance company may replace the entire roof. Know what your policy provides for. 
• Your home’s windows and siding – Most policies will also cover costs associated with repairing hail-damaged windows and siding, but it’s important to consult with your policy to understand exactly what is covered and to what degree. Like roof damage, the insurance company will decide whether to replace the damaged areas or all the siding. Again, repairs may depend on whether the existing siding or windows are still available. 
• Personal property damage – Most policies generally cover damages to the property’s interior and personal property if damaged due to a damaged roof or windows, but you should understand what conditions may apply.

 

What Should You Do if Your Home Has Been Damaged by Wind or Hail?

If your home has sustained hail or wind damage, you must immediately file a property damage claim with your insurance company. While you don’t want to make any repairs before contacting your insurance company, most policies also require that you take precautions against further damage by providing an emergency covering for your roof or windows. 

To file a claim, you will need to:

• Be aware of your deadlines under your policy terms, and don’t exceed those time limits.
• Document the damage by taking photos and videos of the damaged area as well as the size of the hail. Note the date and time of the damages.
• Contact the insurance company as soon as possible and explain the nature of the damage. Your agent will give you instructions on your next steps.
• Submit your claim following your insurance company’s procedures, including filling out all forms as comprehensively as possible with detailed information about the damage.
• In the meantime, get three or four estimates for repairs from local contractors, but refrain from hiring anyone until an adjuster has inspected the damage. 
• Schedule an appointment with your insurance adjuster. It will help to have a trusted roofing contractor there to ensure that the adjuster fairly assesses the work needed. You can share your information, photos, and any estimates you’ve received at that time. The adjuster will then submit a report to the insurance company. 
• Once your claim is approved and a settlement made, you can hire a contractor to do the repairs. 

 

What Happens if You Can’t Come to a Fair Settlement with Your Insurance Company?

Unfortunately, not all insurance companies handle hail and wind damage claims in good faith. Bad faith practices can include:

• Denying your claim without reason.
• Refusing to pay within a reasonable amount of time.
• Offering an unusually low settlement. 

What can you do if your insurance company has not offered a fair settlement or has delayed or outright denied your property damage claim?

You can dispute the decision if you disagree with the insurance company’s settlement offer or have been unfairly denied. Unfortunately, policyholders have the burden of proof in a dispute and often find themselves at a disadvantage when suing a large insurance company. 

Trying to get answers or negotiating with an insurance company as a policyholder can be daunting. This is when having a legal advocate can be critical. At Saffren & Weinberg, our talented team of experienced Buckingham property damage lawyers deal with large insurance companies every day and can help you get the settlement you deserve after a property damage claim. Call us at (215) 576-0100 or schedule a free consultation through our website contact form.

 

Disclosure:

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with Saffren & Weinberg, we are not your legal representatives.