Peril: Windstorm

The windstorm peril in homeowners insurance covers damage caused by high winds, including those from storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes. It protects the home's structure, personal property, and other insured structures, subject to the policy's terms and limits. In high-risk areas, coverage may require a separate windstorm policy or include a higher deductible.

This peril primarily covers damage to the exterior of a building. Coverage for interior damage is provided only if it directly results from damage to the exterior. Wind damage coverage also extends to watercraft, outboard engines, trailers, and related property. However, this coverage applies only if the property is located inside a fully enclosed building at the time of the damage.

AVERAGE COST PER WINDSTORM CLAIM:

$11,695

(Insurance Information Institute, 2022)

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Peril: Hail

The hail peril in homeowners insurance covers damage caused by hailstorms. It typically protects the home's exterior, such as the roof, siding, and windows, as well as personal property and other insured structures, depending on the policy terms. Interior damage is covered only if it results from hail breaching the exterior. In high-risk areas, coverage may require a higher deductible or additional endorsements.

Interior property damage caused by hail is covered if hail, or another covered peril, creates an opening that allows hail to enter the structure. For example, if hailstones break a skylight, any damage to the floor beneath it caused by the hailstones would be covered. However, if the skylight was left open, hail damage to the floor would not be covered, as it would not result from the hail or a related peril.

Similar to the windstorm peril, coverage for hail damage extends to watercraft, outboard engines, trailers, and related property. However, this coverage applies only if the damage occurs while these items are stored in a fully enclosed building.

AVERAGE COST PER HAIL CLAIM: 

$17,000

(New York Times, 2024)