Can Hurricane Wind Damage Be Covered by Insurance?

Your homeowners policy is the first place to look for wind damage coverage. It typically protects the structure of your home from direct wind events, including roof damage and siding loss. The policy also covers damage to personal belongings inside the home caused by wind or rain entering through wind-created openings. Always review your specific declarations page and policy language to understand your exact coverage. Exclusions and deductibles can differ significantly between policies, and some in hurricane-prone areas have a separate, higher deductible for windstorm damage.

Safety is your first priority after a storm passes. Avoid downed power lines and do not enter a structurally damaged building. Once it is safe, document all damage with photos and videos before making any temporary repairs. This visual evidence is crucial for your insurance claim. Contact your insurance company to start the claims process as soon as possible.

• Take extensive photos and videos of all damage, inside and out.
• Make a detailed list of damaged or destroyed personal items.
• Cover broken windows and holes in the roof with tarps to prevent more damage.
• Save receipts for any materials bought for temporary repairs.
• Keep a log of all communications with your insurance company.

If your home has water inside from rain or flood, you need to act quickly to prevent mold and structural decay. Local water damage pros have the industrial equipment to extract standing water, thoroughly dry the structure, and clean affected areas. They can also provide detailed documentation of the damage and remediation process, which can be helpful for your insurance claim. Acting fast is particularly important in humid climates where slow drying promotes mold growth. This documentation often includes moisture readings and photos of the drying progress.