Wisconsin weather is notoriously unpredictable. One moment, you’re outside enjoying a sunny, 75-degree day, then the next, you’re hurrying inside to avoid a sudden snow squall. And as much as seasoned Wisconsinites like to be prepared for all types of weather, there are some weather-related instances we simply can’t prepare ourselves for—especially tornadoes and the resulting tornado property damage they bring.
Is Tornado Damage Covered By Home Insurance?
Most home insurance policies cover tornado damage to your home and personal belongings, rather than requiring you to purchase separate coverage. This is because tornadoes tend to fall under standard storm-related damages. However, this is completely dependent on your individual insurance policy. In rare instances, some insurance policies will require special coverage for natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and tornados, so it’s important to contact your insurance company to find out which pieces are included in your specific policy. So, in short, you’re likely covered—but still check your policy.
How Does Home Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers common weather-related perils, such as wind and hail. Under these specific perils, you’ll find personal property and dwelling coverage. Personal property coverage can help replace personal items that were lost or destroyed due to tornado damage. Dwelling coverage is for repairs or replacements for tornado damage done to your house. Depending on your policy, it may also cover damages to other detached structures on your property, such as your garage.
Dwelling coverage can cover small things, like repairing broken roof shingles or installing new windows. However, it can also cover bigger fixes, such as repairs to the walls, roof, and other foundational elements. Depending on the extent of damage, it can even cover entirely replacing your home.
How Do I File A Tornado Insurance Claim?
In the unfortunate incident of property damage caused by a tornado, you should immediately contact your insurance provider. This is the best way to ask questions like, “What do you need from me?” or “What are my next steps for getting assistance?” Typically, they’ll instruct you to take inventory of the interior and exterior damage to your property. This will involve recording videos, taking photos, and making notes of anything else you deem worthy of sharing with the insurance company.
It’s also important to save receipts from any expenses you accrued towards the tornado-damaged property. There may be some repairs that need to be done immediately to prevent further damage or allow you to continue to live safely on your property. This may involve covering broken windows with plastic sheeting or securing damaged entryways with plywood. However, you’ll want to hold off on making expensive, permanent repairs until an adjuster comes and views the property.
Taking these measures is the best way to ensure that you’re thoroughly documenting all of your property losses so that during the tornado insurance claim process, you can receive the most assistance possible.
What Else Should I Know About Tornado Damage Insurance Claims?
Something that you always need to keep in mind when working with insurance companies is that they are in the business of giving you the smallest payment possible for your insurance claim. When it comes to tornado property damage, they will try all sorts of tactics to minimize your claim—from saying that your property already had damage before the storm, to looking at weather reports and attesting that a tornado didn’t hit your exact area, or even insisting that the damage that took place falls under another category that you don’t have coverage for. As we mentioned before, that’s why it’s so important to document everything to help strengthen your claim.
How Fortitude Can Help
Even in the face of well-documented, comprehensive evidence, an insurance company will still try to undermine you. That’s when Fortitude Public Adjuster steps in to help. We are here to ensure that you receive the proper settlement you deserve in the shortest time possible. If you have any more questions regarding tornado property damage or are interested in a free consultation regarding your home insurance policy coverage, contact us today.
