Insurance 101 for windstorm damage
Claim adjusters are going to be mighty busy dealing with all the damage caused by last week's big storms. And with all the property damage caused by this storm, it may be weeks before adjusters get to all their policyholders.
While you’re waiting, make sure to take pictures to documents the damage. Then make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage to the building or the property inside. Not only is that a smart thing to do, it's generally required by your insurance policy. Keep receipts for this work to turn in with your claim. Just don't go overboard until you talk to the adjuster.
Homeowners insurance will pay for much of the loss, but not all. If you haven’t been through this before you may be surprised to learn what your policy does not cover. Here are a few of the big ones:
WHAT ABOUT FOOD THAT SPOILED?
According to the NW Insurance Council, if the power outage was caused by downed lines on your property, there's a good chance your policy will cover that loss. Most policies will not cover the loss if the food spoiled because the power grid went down. Again, check the specifics of your policy.
If you feel you are not being treated fairly, contact the State Insurance Commissioner’s Office at www.insurance.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-6900
More Information:
Windstorm: What to do in the aftermath
Insurance Advice for Wind-blown Consumers
While you’re waiting, make sure to take pictures to documents the damage. Then make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage to the building or the property inside. Not only is that a smart thing to do, it's generally required by your insurance policy. Keep receipts for this work to turn in with your claim. Just don't go overboard until you talk to the adjuster.
Homeowners insurance will pay for much of the loss, but not all. If you haven’t been through this before you may be surprised to learn what your policy does not cover. Here are a few of the big ones:
- Trees that fall down in your yard but do not hit the house or an "other structure" (such as a greenhouse or workshop) as defined by your policy.
- Things outside the house, such as a canoe, bike or lawn furniture
- Damage to a car; that’s covered by the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance, if you bought this optional coverage
- Some policies do not cover damage to fences
- Damage to your home from wind and falling trees.
- Removal of trees that have fallen on buildings.
- Damaged personal property (both home and renters) inside a damaged building.
- If you can't occupy your primary residence due to storm damage, additional living expenses such as increased housing costs, extra food costs, furniture rental, and storage fees.
- Costs for reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage to the building or contents.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD THAT SPOILED?
According to the NW Insurance Council, if the power outage was caused by downed lines on your property, there's a good chance your policy will cover that loss. Most policies will not cover the loss if the food spoiled because the power grid went down. Again, check the specifics of your policy.
If you feel you are not being treated fairly, contact the State Insurance Commissioner’s Office at www.insurance.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-6900
More Information:
Windstorm: What to do in the aftermath
Insurance Advice for Wind-blown Consumers