Windstorm Insurance: Understanding Coverage and Preparing for Weather

When you buy a home insurance policy, one of your biggest concerns is likely how the policy will help you clean up after weather events.

Many different forms of weather can cause severe damages to your home. Even with today’s meteorological technology, it is still hard to tell exactly how severe weather will affect your home. Damages can occur even following minor storms.

Weather is often a covered peril in most standard home and commercial property insurance policies. However, it is up to the homeowner to be aware of the weather conditions that affect their homes. If wind is a problem in your local area, then you may need windstorm insurance.

Windstorm Insurance

Wind is common with almost every weather phenomenon. Damaging winds can be very potent weapons in the event of severe weather.

In many cases, the standard property insurance policy will cover wind damages. However, depending on where you live, you may need to invest in windstorm insurance to maximize your coverage. Windstorm insurance can be beneficial in a variety of situations. If you live in a state with a high risk for windstorms, local insurance laws may require you to buy windstorm insurance as a separate policy or rider.

Additionally, you may consider investing in this policy simply to maximize on your returns from wind-related losses. Windstorms can include damaging events like tornados and hurricanes. If one of these events were to damage your home, you may exceed your coverage limits with the cumulative repairs your property needs.

Ask your insurance agent if you can add extra windstorm coverage as a rider to your property insurance policy.

Preparing for Windstorms

Granted, it is impossible to totally protect your home from every instance of damaging winds. However, there are many things you can do to minimize the effects of wind damages on the home. That way, you can better protect your property and windstorm insurance limits.

• If you have advance warning of severe weather, survey your property. Look for any objects that may become airborne projectiles during weather. You might bring plants, outdoor tools and lawn furniture indoors. This can help prevent the risk of projectiles damaging your home.
• Seasonally, check your shrubbery. If you see dead trees, limbs or bushes, cut these items. If wind fells these items, then they could damage your home.
• Check the home’s structure. Loose bricks, siding, and shingles could all fly off the house during severe wind. You should carefully maintain the outside of the house. Reinforcing and securing these items will help reduce the risk that they fail during storms.

If severe wind is an imminent threat, do what you can to prepare for the damages. However, if there is a clear and present danger, seek shelter first and foremost.

All About Insurance is here to help you get an affordable windstorm insurance policy. You can even get a fast, free quote right now. Call us at (817) 589-0006 for more information.