Weathering the Storms – Severe Weather Damage and Homeowners Insurance
As many of us have seen in recent times, severe weather seems to be on the increase such as hail, windstorms, tornadoes, and more. With the change in climate conditions, we all benefit from knowing how to weather the storms. Damage from severe weather falls under "acts of God" conditions, which are unexpected events that cannot be controlled or prevented.
Protecting Your Property
In our region, most homeowners insurance policies will cover damages to your home and vehicle due to severe weather such as:
Hail and Wind (Including Tornadoes and Hurricanes)
Most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover damage to your home’s physical structure and other structures like your garage or shed. For example, if the siding or roof on your home is damaged from any of these weather conditions, your policy should provide coverage to repair or replace the damaged building materials.
Damage Caused by Fallen Trees
Sometimes it takes just one good storm to topple what was once a sturdy tree in your yard. And, once the storm passes, you may be wondering whether your homeowners insurance will help pay for the cost of repairing the damage if the tree fell on your home or other insured structures on your property. The good news is that if damaging winds, snow, or ice causes the tree to fall, those damages and the removal of the tree or branches or will be covered.
However, if the tree was ready to fall before the storm due to rot or another type of damage, homeowners insurance would not cover the damage the tree caused to your home or other covered structures on your property.
Ice, Snow, and Sleet
Your home insurance policy may cover the cost to repair damage from ice and snow to your roof, walls, or structure of your home, up to your coverage limits. Your personal property coverage may cover the replacement cost of personal items that are damaged or destroyed from a roof collapse due to the weight of ice, snow, or sleet, up to your coverage limits.
What’s not covered in the event of ice, snow, or sleet damage?
If the ice or snow damage occurs due to a lack of maintenance before or after the ice dam damage, your homeowner’s policy may not protect you.
Certain structures might not be covered, such as fences, pavement, swimming pools, patios, foundations, retaining walls, piers, and docks.
Lightning Strikes
If your home sustains damage because of lightning strikes and causes a fire or a power surge, your home insurance will typically cover the damages – and possibly cover your electronics or appliances that are damaged. That’s why having your Mitchell-Joseph insurance agent periodically sit with you to review your homeowner’s insurance is a good idea!
Conclusion
Are you carrying the right amount of insurance coverage to protect your home from severe weather incidents? The insurance professionals at Mitchell-Joseph Insurance invite you to make an appointment to review your current homeowner’s insurance and answer any questions you may have. Contact us through our website’s contact form or call (585) 624-2180. Don’t wait until a natural disaster happens.