We all know that Wisconsin weather can be confusing, terrifying, and threatening – and it can all change in the blink of an eye. We are notorious for having a sunny and 75-degree day, and then a snow squall (whatever that is, right?) the next.
One thing we know for sure about the ever-changing Wisconsin weather is that it’s unpredictable, especially when we begin to receive warnings and alerts all over the media. However, we, unfortunately, can’t be fully prepared for everything – especially tornadoes and the tornado property damage that may come with them.
Does Homeowners Insurance Usually Cover Tornado Damage?
Most home insurance policies provide coverage for tornado property damage to your home and personal belongings, however, this is all dependent on your individual insurance policy. Some insurance policies require special coverage for natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and tornados, so it’s important to ask which pieces are included in your specific insurance policy. Beyond all the nitty-gritty details, the simplistic answer is most commonly yes. (But still, check your policy.)
How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Me?
Homeowners insurance typically covers certain perils, such as wind and hail (yay for that). Under these perils, you’ll find dwelling and personal property coverage. Dwelling coverage is for repairs or replacements for damage done to your house.
These can be small things like roof shingles or new windows but can span all of the way to replacing your home entirely if the damage is significant. Personal property coverage may help replace personal items that were lost or destroyed due to tornado property damage.
How Do I File A Tornado Insurance Claim?
Immediately following a tornado, 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 a home inventory that contains videos, photos, and notes of the interior and exterior of the damage done to your home. As well as receipts from any expenses toward the tornado-damaged property. This is the best way to ensure that you’re documenting all of your property losses during the tornado insurance claim process to receive the most assistance possible.
What Else Is Good To Know About Tornado Damage Insurance Claims?
Something that you always need to keep in mind 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 to claim that the damage had already occurred before the storm, look at weather reports and claim that a tornado did not hit exactly your area, or try and say that the damage falls under another category that you do not have coverage for (ie. Natural Disaster insurance). As we mentioned before, this is why it is so important to document everything and make sure that you have everything ready to go, something that a public adjuster can help with.
If you have any further questions regarding tornado property damage, homeowners insurance, perils, or wondering does your homeowners’ insurance cover tornado damage, please let us know! We are here to help you and ensure you feel safe in your insurance policy, and your home, all year long.
