Wind Damage
Wind damage claims can be difficult due to some insurance policies going into minute detail about what types of wind damage are covered by a policy. The fine detail policies are typically seen more in coastal regions, but that doesn’t mean that you have to worry about your insurance company underpaying your claim. Most homeowners insurance policies include coverage from wind damage. The main exceptions being wind damage caused by flooding or earthquakes unless your policy includes additional coverage. This is where things can be tricky as aggressive storms bring not just rain but wind as well. Your insurance company may try to claim that your wind damage was included in flood damage and not covered, but that is where the PA Public Adjusters come in to ensure that your insurance company properly pays your full claim.
The PA Public Adjusters have been helping people suffering from wind damage receive their maximum payout from an insurance claim since 1998. Using state-of-the-art technology including thermal imaging and moisture meters, the PA Public Adjusters find damage caused by wind that your insurance company might miss. If you’ve experienced wind damage, now is the time to call the PA Public Adjusters. Remember that you don’t owe us a thing unless we get more money for you!
There are many ways that high winds can affect your property. From external damage to a roof or siding, to internal property damage where rainwater is able to penetrate the roofing system, compromising its components from inside. It’s never an easy sight when you’re looking at water-damaged floors or walls; all peeled back and plastered over with various insulating materials – or worse still, something so costly and valuable such as electricity or plumbing systems. But worry not! For PA Public Adjusters will work hard until you see a just settlement for your misfortune and all efforts will be put forth in ensuring you’ll get back what you deserve.
I've Experienced Wind Damage. What do I do?
Wind damage can be catastrophic to any dwelling or business.
Pennsylvania Public Adjusters recommends that you stay calm and do the following:
1. Call the PA Public Adjusters
Instead of waiting for your insurance company to make a decision, call Public Adjusters FIRST. This way, we can review the situation and provide an exhaustive list of items your insurance company will need to deny or agree upon before you even speak with them.
2. Begin mitigation of the wind damage
It's very typical for wind damage to be caused by a powerful storm or hurricane which also bring a lot of rainfall leading to a dual claim for both wind and water damage. If you sustain damage during a storm, wait until the storm has cleared before any mitigation efforts. In the case of dry wind causing damage from something like a tornado, make sure that you are safe before beginning any mitigation. For mitigation purposes, your responsibility is NOT to rehabilitate or restore any of the damage. Your responsibility is to ensure that no additional damage occurs because of the initial damage. This means that for wind damage, most mitigation efforts will involve putting a tarp over holes in your roof and/or siding.
3. Start a claim with your insurance company
Whenever you sustain wind damage, an insurance claim must be started with your insurance company. Failure to do so will result in zero payout. While the PA Public Adjusters recommend that you call us BEFORE your insurance company, you do still need to start the claims process with your insurer.
4. Document ALL damage with photos and video
When you experience wind damage, it's vital that you document all of the damage that you can see with either photos or videos. Take pictures of EVERYTHING affected by wind and not just your roof and/or siding. This includes any personal property that was damaged by wind or the elements after a wind storm. Remember that your insurance company can only cover items that it knows were damaged, so all damage MUST be documented.
5. Request a certified copy of your insurance contract
Most people don't actually hold a copy of their insurance contract. They have a Declarations page which provides brief information about coverage, but not the entire contract. If you're serious about getting a good payout, there are many ways to get the most out of your insurance. One way is using an experienced Public Adjuster who goes over your contract for all potential damages and claims not currently included in your claim. To start this process, a certified copy of your contract must be requested from your insurance company.
6. Stay Calm and trust the PA Public Adjusters
When it comes to wind damage, it can be a tough fight. Insurance companies try their best to underpay or deny claims - but let us put an end to that! You don't need anyone but the PA Public Adjusters on your side; this professional team will take care of every bit of your storm-related worries so you won't have to worry anymore. We'll make sure they're taken care of and treated fairly when it comes time for negotiations so that there are no limitations on what you deserve - don't let anyone tell you otherwise because we've got this covered for you.
Wind Damage Claim Denied?
When you are faced with a denial from your insurance company for your wind damage claim, don't worry. You're not alone; we've got you covered. Fighting for you is our specialty - so let us handle your claim, and let's make sure the money that belongs to you goes back into your pocket.
Get a second opinion if your insurance company has denied your wind damage insurance claim due to..."
...damage is normal wear and tear."
...damage value below deductible."
...lack of substantiating evidence."
...failure to mitigate damages."
...lack of proof of value."
...insufficient coverage.
Typical Causes of Wind Damage
The most common cause of wind damage is, unsurprisingly, Wind.
There are two distinct forms of wind damage: damage caused by wind and damage caused by tornadoes.
Most wind storms do not have enough force to cause measurable damage, however, momentary gusts may be able to knock over trees or fences. Stronger storms that produce wind speeds high enough to measure on the Fujita scale (wind speed scale) will produce much more damage than standard storms.
Tornadoes come out of nowhere and can be one of the most devastating natural disasters that people away from coastal regions may experience. Tornadoes can have winds exceeding 250 mph and anything in their path can end up destroyed.
Aside from damage caused by wind impacting your property, additional damage can be caused by wind blowing debris and other objects into your property. This is still wind damage.