Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

By the Mercury Team

It’s always good to have emergency supplies at the ready in the event of severe weather, but remembering to prepare your home’s exterior is another incredibly important step when it comes to avoiding costly damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 2.8% of insured homes made wind and hail claims between 2018 and 2022. This damage accounted for the largest share of homeowner claims. While severe weather may not be going away, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize storm-related damage. Our guide covers these preventive measures, along with what to do if you need to file storm damage insurance claims through your homeowners insurance.

Protecting Your Home from Storm Damage

Extreme weather continues to intensify, and many homeowners remain unprepared. A 2024 Bankrate Extreme Weather Survey found that one in four U.S. homeowners say they’re unprepared for costs associated with extreme weather events. And only 9% reported investing in weatherproofing strategies for their home over the past five years. Here are a few ways to prepare your home from storm damage, whether from wind, hail, or rain deluges.

Inspect and Reinforce Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so regular inspections are a must to keep it in peak condition. Over time, weather can loosen tiles, cause leaks, or wear down shingles, leaving your home vulnerable to damage.

To reinforce your roof, consider upgrading to impact-resistant shingles, especially if you live in an area prone to hail or severe storms. Also, regularly check for loose or missing tiles, as these are easy entry points for water. During an inspection, make sure all potential leak spots are sealed. Catching small issues early will keep your roof sturdy and your home safe, even in the toughest weather. If you do need to file a claim after a storm, ask your agent about your hail damage roof insurance coverage.

Secure Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are vulnerable spots in your home, and securing them is key to protecting everything inside. Wondering how to protect windows from hail? Installing storm shutters is ideal in areas that have high winds and flying debris. Another option is upgrading your current windows to impact-resistant styles.

Reinforcing entry doors with steel or solid wood can add extra strength, and installing deadbolts or longer screws in the hinges further enhances their security. Since garage doors are especially prone to wind damage, consider adding horizontal braces or investing in a wind-rated door.

Yard Maintenance and Preparation

Outdoor furniture, grills, and anything not anchored down can be tossed around by high winds, causing serious damage. To prevent that patio table or umbrella from becoming a projectile, bring them indoors or use straps to secure them. And don’t forget about the trees and bushes around your home. Overgrown branches can snap during a storm and cause damage to your roof, windows, or siding. Regularly trimming trees and bushes keeps them healthy and reduces the risk of branches breaking off. Pay extra attention to dead or weak limbs, as they’re the first to go in windy conditions, and they could end up through your roof, on a powerline, or atop your car.

What Storm Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Standard homeowners insurance usually covers a range of storm-related damages, such as high winds, hail, and fallen trees. If a storm knocks a tree onto your house or rips off shingles, your policy typically kicks in to help with repairs. Damage to your home’s structure, roof, and sometimes even your belongings is often covered.

However, not all policies are created equal, so it’s important to review yours carefully. Make sure it specifically includes wind insurance coverage and hail insurance, as these can sometimes be excluded or require extra riders. If you live in a storm-prone area, it’s worth double-checking that you have enough protection in place. It’s also a good idea to know what your homeowners policy does not cover. For instance, flood damage from a storm may require separate flood insurance, which is available through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

How to File a Storm-Related Insurance Claim

Filing a storm damage insurance claim starts with documenting the damage as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Document the Damage

It's important to document any damage to your home or property by taking photos and videos. Capture every angle, focusing on both structural damage and affected belongings. Create a detailed inventory of all damaged items, noting their condition and estimated value. This documentation will help streamline your insurance claim and ensure you receive proper compensation for your losses.

Contact Your Insurance Provider Immediately

Reporting wind, hail, or other damage promptly ensures that the claims process can start quickly. When you call, be ready to provide photos, videos, and item inventory to show the extent of the damage. Follow your insurer’s instructions carefully, as they may require specific forms or additional details. Staying organized and promptly following each step will help ensure you get money for the repairs or the compensation needed to restore your home.

Prepare for the Insurance Adjuster’s Visit

Before the adjuster visits your home to survey the damage, make sure they have easy access to broken windows, dented cars, or roof damage. Walk the adjuster through your home, pointing out any issues they might miss. It’s also smart to ask questions about the claim process, such as what’s covered under your policy and how long it will take to get a settlement. Make sure to clarify whether weather-related repairs like roof damage or fallen trees are fully covered, and don’t hesitate to ask for an explanation of the next steps. Staying involved ensures you get a fair assessment.

Keep Records of Storm-Related Expenses

Good recordkeeping can make a big difference in how smoothly and quickly your claim is handled. Save receipts for any temporary repairs you make to protect your home, such as tarping a damaged roof or boarding up broken windows. If you need to stay in a hotel or rent temporary housing, keep all accommodation receipts as well. Additionally, maintain a detailed log of all communication with your insurance provider, including dates, names of representatives, and what you discussed. This will help you track the claim’s progress and ensure that nothing gets overlooked.

Whether you’re looking for quality, cheap homeowners insurance that covers hail damage insurance, or you need more information on a weather damage insurance claim, contact us today for a fast, free quote!