Understanding Storm Damage Coverage
Wind and hail are covered perils under standard homeowners policies (HO-3). However, storm damage claims are among the most disputed in property insurance. Insurers frequently argue about the cause of damage, the extent of damage, and whether damage is "cosmetic" versus "functional."
🌪️ Storm Damage Coverage Basics
- Wind damage: Covered under standard homeowners policies
- Hail damage: Covered, but some policies have separate hail deductibles
- Tornado damage: Covered as wind damage
- Hurricane damage: Covered, but often with separate hurricane deductibles
- Flooding from storms: NOT covered - requires separate flood insurance
Types of Storm Damage
Storm damage takes many forms, and proper documentation of each type is critical for your claim:
🏠 Roof Damage
Missing shingles, cracked tiles, granule loss, lifted flashing, and punctures from hail or debris.
🪟 Siding & Windows
Cracked or broken siding, dented aluminum, broken windows, and damaged screens.
🌳 Fallen Trees
Trees on structures, vehicles, fences, or blocking driveways. Coverage varies by location.
🚗 Vehicle Damage
Covered under auto comprehensive, not homeowners. Separate claim required.
💨 Wind-Driven Rain
Interior water damage from rain entering through storm-created openings is covered.
⚡ Lightning
Fire, electrical surges, and structural damage from lightning strikes are covered.
Wind and Hail Deductibles
One of the most important - and often overlooked - aspects of storm damage coverage is the separate deductible that may apply. Many policies have:
| Deductible Type | How It Works | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deductible | Fixed dollar amount applied to all claims | $500 - $2,500 |
| Wind/Hail Deductible | Percentage of dwelling coverage for wind/hail claims | 1% - 5% of Coverage A |
| Hurricane Deductible | Percentage deductible for named hurricanes (coastal areas) | 2% - 10% of Coverage A |
⚠️ Percentage Deductible Example
If your home is insured for $400,000 and you have a 2% wind/hail deductible, you will pay $8,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in - even if your standard deductible is only $1,000. Always check your declarations page for applicable deductibles.
The "Cosmetic Damage" Exclusion
Many modern homeowners policies include a cosmetic damage exclusion for metal roofs and siding. Under this exclusion, insurers only pay for damage that affects the "functionality" of the material - not just its appearance.
This means hail dents in a metal roof may not be covered if the roof still "functions" as a barrier. This exclusion is controversial and worth fighting if your policy includes it.
Arguments Against Cosmetic Exclusions
- Cosmetic damage reduces home value and resale potential
- Dents and dings can weaken materials over time
- Matching issues: undamaged areas may need replacement for uniformity
- Some jurisdictions have limited enforceability of these exclusions
Roof Damage Claims
Roof claims are the most common type of storm damage claim. They are also among the most disputed because damage can be difficult to assess and the cause of damage (storm vs. age/wear) is often contested.
Signs of Storm Roof Damage
- Hail damage: Circular dents or bruises on shingles, often visible as dark spots where granules are missing
- Wind damage: Lifted, curled, or missing shingles; exposed nails or underlayment
- Flashing damage: Bent, lifted, or missing metal flashing around vents, chimneys
- Gutter damage: Dents, granule accumulation, or detachment from roof edge
- Interior leaks: Water stains on ceilings or walls indicating roof penetration
Pro Tip: Get a Professional Inspection
Before filing a claim, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof. They can document storm damage versus normal wear and provide an estimate that supports your claim. Some contractors offer free storm damage inspections. Just be cautious of "storm chasers" who may inflate damage.
Filing a Storm Damage Claim
- Document damage immediately - Take photos and videos of all visible damage before any cleanup or temporary repairs. Include wide shots and close-ups.
- Make temporary repairs - You have a duty to prevent further damage. Tarp roofs, board up windows, and remove debris. Keep all receipts.
- File your claim promptly - Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Note the date of loss (the storm date) and get a claim number.
- Get independent estimates - Before the adjuster arrives, get estimates from licensed contractors. This gives you leverage if the insurer lowballs.
- Be present for the inspection - When the adjuster inspects, point out all damage. Bring your contractor if possible.
- Review the adjuster's report - Compare line by line to contractor estimates. Challenge any items that are missing or undervalued.
- Document matching issues - If undamaged areas need replacement to match repaired sections, document this need.
Fallen Tree Coverage
When a tree falls on your property during a storm, coverage depends on where the tree lands and what it hits:
- Tree on your house: Covered under dwelling coverage (Coverage A). Tree removal included.
- Tree on your fence/shed: Covered under other structures (Coverage B). Tree removal included.
- Tree on your car: Covered under auto comprehensive (separate policy).
- Tree in your yard: Most policies include $500-$1,000 for tree removal even if it did not hit a structure.
- Neighbor's tree on your property: Your policy covers damage to your property, regardless of where the tree came from.
California Storm Damage Considerations
CACalifornia has specific regulations affecting storm damage claims:
- No separate wind/hail deductibles: Unlike some states, California generally does not permit separate percentage deductibles for wind or hail
- Mudslide/landslide coverage: Not included in standard policies - check if you need additional coverage in hillside areas
- 40-day claims deadline: Insurers must accept or deny within 40 days of proof of loss
- Emergency declarations: After declared emergencies, special protections may apply, including moratoria on policy cancellations
- Fair Claims Settlement Practices: California regulations require insurers to conduct fair and thorough investigations before denying claims
Disputing Underpaid Storm Claims
If your storm damage claim is denied or underpaid, you have several options:
The Appraisal Process
Most homeowners policies include an appraisal clause for disputes over the amount of loss. In appraisal:
- You hire an appraiser, the insurer hires one
- The two appraisers select an umpire
- Any two of the three can reach a binding decision on value
- Cost is split: you pay your appraiser, insurer pays theirs, umpire fees split
Other Options
- Request re-inspection: Ask for a different adjuster or a specialist
- Provide additional documentation: Contractor reports, engineering studies
- File a DOI complaint: Document unfair claims practices
- Send a demand letter: Cite specific policy provisions and bad faith
- Hire a public adjuster: They work on your behalf (typically 10-15% fee)
- Consult an attorney: For significant underpayment or bad faith
⚠️ Watch the Clock
Storm damage claims have deadlines. Most policies require prompt notice of loss, and some have strict proof of loss deadlines (often 60-90 days). Check your policy for specific deadlines and comply with all notice requirements.