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Living in an area with high winds comes with a few risks for your home. Whether the area you move to is prone to thunderstorms or you live on an open swath of land, it’s important to have insurance available to help you cover the financial costs of wind damage. The majority of homeowners insurance policies include coverage for wind damage, but this isn’t always the case. Working with your insurance company to identify the risk factors for your home and the potential costs of damage can help you get the right level of coverage for your property.
Know What Your Policy Covers
When you purchase homeowners insurance, it’s important to avoid assuming certain types of events are included in the coverage. Make sure to inquire about wind damage coverage when you set up your policy. During this discussion, you’ll want to find out if certain types of weather-related events are covered while others aren’t. For instance, many policies cover damage from a tornado, but it might be harder to get the insurance company to accept your claim if you’ve allowed the roof to fall into disrepair. Damage from a hailstorm is also likely to be covered, and you can often file a claim for hail damage at the same time you do for the wind event.
Consider Purchasing a Separate Policy
Similar to flood or wildfire insurance, certain people may need to purchase a separate policy when they live in an area that’s considered a high risk for these types of events. While it might seem like opting out of insurance is an easy way to save money, the truth is that you’re better off purchasing a separate policy if a catastrophic weather event occurs. All it takes is a single tornado or major thunderstorm to cause significant damage to your home that could even render it temporarily unlivable.
Know How to File a Wind Damage Claim
Creating an inventory of your home is a smart way to know exactly what’s lost or damaged after a wind event. Many homeowners insurance policies also cover damage to other structures on your property, such as a shed or detached garage. Make sure to include these features in your documentation of your property. After the wind event has passed, you can then begin taking stock of the damage that occurred. Photographing damage to your roof and windows can serve as a point of reference when you file your claim. Your insurance company may also send out an inspector to identify the damage and create the most accurate estimate for your claim.
Secure Your Home Against Wind Damage
Avoiding wind damage minimizes stress in your life, and taking care of your property makes it possible to keep your insurance rates lower. Make sure to inspect the roof regularly and have any minor issues repaired right away. Checking the roof after storms ensures it can properly protect the rest of your home when it rains. Keeping branches trimmed away from the roof and windows makes it less likely they’ll cause damage to your home, and remember to secure any loose objects outside when you know a storm is coming.
Make sure to check with your insurance agent so you know exactly what’s covered in the event of wind damage to your home. If you need reliable, affordable homeowners insurance, call on the experienced, trustworthy professionals at Altra Insurance Services. We can also provide you with renters, commercial, and car insurance. Chula Vista homeowners can learn more about our high-quality personal service by calling us today at 619-404-6311.