Hail and Wind Property Damage Tips for Homeowners

Published On - December 11, 2020

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After a major wind or hail storm has hit your property, it can be very apparent that your home is in need of minor or even major repairs. Missing shingles, damaged siding, cracked or blown out windows, are some of the effects of hundreds or even thousands of balls of ice being pelted against your home, not to mention the relentless wind.

Here are some tips on what to do when hail and wind damage your home.

1) Immediately after the Storm, contact a Public Adjuster

When a storm does such a large amount of damage to your home, it can be a stressful time. Now is not the time for panic or inaction. It is important to reach out to your a public adjuster first before you contact your insurance agency. The public adjuster works for you and will document all damgage first hand. The Public Adjuster will alleviate you from the stress of dealing with th einsurance company and will ultimatley win you a larger settlement.

2) Get your facts Right, provide evidence of any damages

Take pictures of any pieces of hail against a measuring tape or ruler and a round object similar in size, such a ping-pong ball similar in size, note the date and exact time that the storm hit

  • Take plenty of photos of your home’s interior and exterior, plus surrounding property
  • Be sure to focus on any obvious signs of damage, such as dented siding and torn shingles
  • Check out roof, siding, windows, gutters and doors
  • Don’t forget to check out any equipment, such as air conditioner for damage

3) Storm and Hail Damage Is Not Always Visible

Keep in mind that the effects of storm and hail damage can be invisible for a while. A few months later, a homeowner may discover a leak caused by damaged shingles that went unnoticed. That is why it’s important to inspect damage as soon as the storm is over.

4) Am I covered?

Keep in mind, wind and hail insurance varies based on the company, the state where you reside, and the coastal area that you live in. Many states have certain laws that limit insurance companies from implementing wind and hail deductibles. Other states aren’t as stringent, and insurance companies are given more autonomy on setting their own deductibles. For the most part, wind and hail deductibles can range anywhere from 1% to 10% dwelling coverage limit. That means if your home was insured for $500,000 with a 5% deductible, you’d be responsible for the first $25,000 in wind and hail damages. Percentage deductibles are found on your policy’s declaration page.

5) Install Home Improvements:

  • While your insurance company will not pay for any home upgrades, you might want to use your experience of storm damage to make smart home improvements for the next storm.
  • Invest in a Hail/Impact resistant roof
  • Install Class IV shingles with an impact resistance
  • Perform regular inspections that can help you identify and address minor roofing and shutter/ window problems before storms appear again

About American Claims Ensurance

American Claims Ensurance specializes in homeowners and business insurance claim representation. We work vigorously and for YOU to ensure you get the highest possible settlement from the insurance company. Best of all, when you hire the best public adjusters to represent you, you will not have to deal with the stress of working with your insurance company.

American Claims Ensurance offers our insurance claim representation services on a contingency fee basis to YOU. That means, that if we do not collect any funds for you, we do not get paid at all. We will handle the entire claim process from beginning to end and make sure you get the settlement YOU deserve.

American Claims Ensurance has decades of combined experience and expertise knowledge on how the claim process works. We will also help to expedite your water damage or other type of claim as quickly as possible.

We represent home and business owners and are retained as expert witnesses by various law firms in a variety of property loss claims, including: