Property Damage Lawyers Specializing in Wind Damage
Most homeowners living in hurricane-prone areas are familiar with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which allows for easy categorizations of hurricane strength. It’s no surprise that wind speed became the primary way to differentiate hurricane intensity easily. Although rain, storm surge, lightning, and other perils can also lead to property damage during a hurricane, wind is by far the biggest driver of property damage losses.
Even a comparatively “weak” Category 1 hurricane can bring winds of up to 95 miles per hour, which can uproot trees, knock over power lines, and hurl debris through windows. Many roofing materials also can’t withstand Category 1 hurricane winds.
By the time you get to Category 5 hurricanes, with wind speeds over 157 miles per hour, there are few building materials that can weather the onslaught unscathed. In the aftermath of a hurricane, wind damage is often the leading property damage claim for home and business owners.
Will My Home Insurance Cover Wind Damage From a Hurricane?
Technically, yes, most homeowners’ insurance policies should cover wind damage suffered by your property. However, there can be many complicating factors that lead to claim denials, delays, or undervaluation.
Homeowners who want to make a full recovery often need to assert themselves during claim negotiations. If you feel like the insurance company is treating your wind damage claim unfairly, consider speaking with a property damage attorney familiar with hurricane wind damage.
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Why Do Insurance Companies Deny Wind Damage Claims?
Filing a wind damage claim after a storm should bring relief, but homeowners are sometimes surprised when their insurance company denies coverage or delays payment. Unfortunately, this is something we see regularly when working with insurance carriers.
There are a few common reasons that this may happen, which makes it essential to have a wind damage attorney fighting on your behalf. We’re here to review the details and fine print of your policy and address any issues that arise during the claim process.
Excluded Perils
Your policy may have excluded perils that the insurance company will attempt to use to deny your claim or avoid paying for certain types of damage. A common example is water damage that was a direct result of wind damage. This type of water damage is not covered by flood insurance, but that doesn’t always stop the insurance company from attempting to deny these claims.
Poor Maintenance or Depreciation
Insurance companies can sometimes avoid honoring home insurance claims by blaming the damage on the policyholder. For example, they may suggest the roof wind damage your home suffered was due to disrepair or age. This could also allow them to avoid honoring claims for other types of damage, like water or mold damage, that directly resulted from the wind damage.
Poor Claims Adjuster Training or Performance
Insurance company employees are not infallible. They can make mistakes, especially when they’re overworked in the aftermath of a hurricane. Insurance company claim departments can become overwhelmed when nearly every policyholder in a community is filing a claim at the same time. They may even bring in poorly trained adjusters to handle the overflow, increasing the probability that mistakes will occur.
Common Types of Wind Damage After Hurricanes and Storms
According to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), wind damage costs between $4.6 billion and $184.8 billion annually to U.S. homes. Severe storms can cost $2.4 billion per event, making these dangers absolutely staggering for property owners. Considerable wind damage can occur at speeds as low as 55 mph, with widespread damage becoming prevalent once speeds reach 64 mph. Most property owners’ only defense against significant damage is having a solid homeowner’s insurance policy to reimburse recovery costs.
After a big storm, we typically see several types of wind damage to homes. This damage can render homes unlivable for a period of time until renovations are completed. The most common forms of wind damage following a storm include:
- Roof Damage
- Siding Damage
- Window and Door Damage
- Tree and Debris Damage
- Water Intrusion Due to Compromised Windows and Doors
- Structural Damage or Failure
- Chimney Flashing
- Gutter Damage
- And More
Key elements that determine the extent of wind damage your home will endure include:
- Wind Speed and Direction
- Type of Construction Materials Used In Your Home
- Structural Integrity of Your Home
- Wind Mitigation Factors
Hidden Wind Damage
Hidden wind damage is damage to a home that property owners may not initially notice, and insurance policies may try to deny or downplay it following a storm. However, this damage is just as crucial as overt damage, and it’s essential that you thoroughly examine your property and take action quickly to avoid further problems down the line.
Examples of hidden wind damage include:
- Foundation Damage
- Roof Shingle Damage (not apparent from the ground)
- Broken Window and Door Seals
- Compromised Roof Decking
- Gutter Misalignment or Internal Damage
- Hairline Fractures in Fencing, Outdoor Structures, or Retaining Walls
- Insulation Displacement
- HVAC or Satellite System Misalignment
Your Rights as a Homeowner After a Storm
After a storm causes damage to your home, you have the right to expect fair treatment from your insurance company. Unfortunately, not all insurers act in good faith. Understanding your legal rights makes you stronger to push back against delays, lowball offers, or unfair denials. Having an experienced wind damage attorney on your side is always the best way to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Here’s what you’re entitled to under most homeowner insurance policies:
- A Timely Response from Insurance Companies
- A Fair and Thorough Investigation
- Full Payment for Covered Damages
- Representation from a Wind Damage Lawyer During Disputes
- Protection Against Bad-Faith Practices
Storm recovery is hard enough without fighting your insurance company. Knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting your home and peace of mind.
You Don’t Have to Accept the Insurance Company’s Initial Decision
If your wind damage claim was undervalued, denied, or is being delayed, it may be in your best interest to work with a property damage lawyer or public adjuster. We have helped thousands of property owners with wind damage claim negotiations in the wake of hurricanes. Our property damage lawyers can work with public adjusters, repair specialists, and other experts in the field of property damage to make a compelling case that your wind damage claim should be honored in full.
Let our team fight for the full property damage recovery you deserve. Call us at 800-586-5555 for a free case evaluation.
