When a storm hits, the physical damage can be devastating. Unfortunately, what follows with your insurance company can feel like navigating another storm. Insurance companies are often quick to find reasons to deny property damage claims.
A recent study found that the nation’s biggest insurers denied almost half of the claims made by property owners in 2023 (Weiss, 2023). That’s why homeowners, insurance policyholders, and property managers must be fully prepared to protect their rights and secure the compensation they deserve.
Storm-related property damage can take many forms, from wind-driven rain and hail damage to collapsed roofs and falling tree limbs. Understanding the common mistakes people make when filing storm damage claims can save you time, money, and frustration. Keep reading to find the best ways to avoid common pitfalls that can put your property at risk.
One of the most common mistakes people make when filing storm damage claims is failing to understand their insurance coverage. Knowing precisely what is covered and what isn’t under your policy is critical if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises when it’s time to make a claim.
Before storm season, contact your insurance provider for a certified copy of your homeowners or property insurance policy. While summaries can be helpful, the fine print within the full policy contains the details and exclusions that matter most. Contacting a Public Adjuster to take advantage of a free policy review can make identifying potential coverage gaps or limitations easier. Regardless, you should read through the policy yourself.
Remember, insurance policies often distinguish between storm-related water damage and flood damage (FEMA, 2023). Wind-driven rain, leaky roofs, and exterior damage allowing water intrusion may fall under your homeowner's policy. However, rising water from streets, overflowing rivers, or other flood-related damage is usually only covered under specialized flood insurance underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program. Make sure you understand what your policy includes before you need it.
Documenting your home’s current state and preparing your property for storm season can also prevent disputes during the claim process. Taking proactive steps now can save you massive headaches later.
Before storm season, take stock of your home’s condition. Inspect your roof and exterior for minor damage, including loose shingles, cracked gutters, or weakened tree limbs. If left unaddressed, these small problems can become major liabilities during a storm.
Insurance companies typically cover either your roof's actual cash value or replacement cost value. Coverage for the actual cash value will reduce your settlement to account for depreciation. If your roof is near the end of its life expectancy, your coverage might not include the full replacement cost. Knowing this before a storm hits will help you make informed decisions about pre-season repairs.
Major storms don’t just damage your home—they can also lead to significant losses of personal belongings within it. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of your household valuables, from electronics to furniture to collectibles. This ensures you have a detailed record necessary to make a contents claim if warranted. Be sure to Include descriptions, receipts, and photos for additional proof.
The most important thing you can do after a storm is to thoroughly document the damage. This step is often overlooked or rushed, leading to weaker claims and lower payouts.
The best way to build a solid claim is by creating a detailed visual record of the damage.
As the CEO of Tiger Adjusters, I like to tell my clients, “If you think you’ve taken too many pictures and videos, you haven’t taken enough."
It is best to use your smartphone to capture high-resolution images and videos from multiple angles. That way, you’ll have accurate time stamps on your photos and videos to strengthen your claim. Document anything affected—your roof, walls, windows, furniture, and outdoor spaces.
Beyond photos, keep records of all repair invoices and receipts, including the cost of any temporary repairs. In addition to photos, document the damage sustained and any actions taken to prevent further destruction in writing.
Once the storm passes, you must take steps to prevent further damage to your property. Mitigation doesn’t just protect your home, it also protects your claim. Insurance companies may deny claims if efforts to minimize losses aren’t made.
The good news is that mitigation doesn’t require extraordinary measures, just common-sense steps to protect against preventable damage (Roberte, 2021). If your roof or windows have sustained damage, cover them as quickly as possible with a tarp or plywood to prevent water from continuing to pour into your home. Allowing leaks to persist can lead to mold growth and more extensive problems that your insurance could refuse to cover.
If you cannot make temporary repairs yourself, contact an emergency mitigation company or ask friends, neighbors, or contractors for assistance. Immediate treatment shows that you’ve taken responsible steps to minimize your losses.
Securing a fair storm damage claim begins long before the storm arrives. By staying informed about your policy, maintaining proper documentation, and mitigating damage responsibly, you’re more likely to receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Need help understanding your policy or managing a claim? Trusted Public Adjusters are available to review your policy and guide you through the entire claims process. Contact Tiger Adjusters for expert advice tailored to your unique situation.
Weiss, M. (2024, September 26). Homeowners Beware! Big Insurers Deny HALF of Damage Claims. Weiss Ratings Daily. Retrieved from https://weissratings.com/en/weiss-ratings-daily/homeowners-beware-big-insurers-deny-half-of-damage-claims#
FEMA (2023, May 10). Wind Damage Versus Floodwater Damage: What You Need to Know When Filing a Claim. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/wind-damage-versus-floodwater-damage-what-you-need-know-when-filing-claim
Roberte, L. (2021, November 5). What Is Mitigation? The Balance. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancemoney.com/mitigation-in-insurance-5097518
