With this hurricane season already in full swing, many people wonder what is covered under their wind policy. Does it cover a tropical depression? Tropical storm? Tornado? Hurricane? Yes, all of these make up what the insurance industry typically covers in an aptly named “wind” insurance policy. In most parts of the country, your policy has wind named as a covered peril. However, in Florida, your homeowners, condominium, commercial or renter’s policy usually excludes wind; therefore, you may need a separate policy covering wind losses. To ensure you have the correct policy and coverage for a wind related loss, contact your insurance agent to discuss the forms of coverage you have prior to a storm being imminent or occurring.
What is covered under Wind Insurance?
When you have a wind policy or wind as a named peril under your insurance policy, your homeowners, condominium, commercial or renter’s insurance policy will pay to repair or replace the damaged items or structures (usually Coverage A) up to the insured amount listed on your Declaration Page of your insurance policy. A detached structure like a garage, shed or fencing, is typically covered by up to 10% of the main structure’s insured amount under its own stated amount on your Declaration Page (usually Coverage B). Your contents (e.g., furniture, clothing, electronics, etc.) are typically listed as a separate stated amount under your Declaration Page (usually Coverage C). Landscaping such as trees or shrubs is usually not a covered item under wind coverage except when paid to remove the items from a structure it has landed on or obstructed use of, but some policies have listed amounts of coverage for such items. Additionally, you usually have the ability to recover for loss of use (aka additional living expenses) under your policy (usually Coverage D) for incurred expenses while living outside of your home due to the storm related damages and repairs which you would not normally have incurred. If you have a rental property insured under a wind policy, you may have an ability to recover for incurred loss of rental income. If you have a commercial policy and you have loss of income or profits listed under your Declaration Page, than you may be able to recover for the loss of income or profits lost during the time your business was unable to open or be fully operational due to the storm and the repairs on your structure. Lastly, you may have the ability to recover under ordinance or law coverage (usually Coverage E) for any mandated state, city or county code upgrades or enforcement incurred when rebuilding your structures due to wind damages otherwise covered under your policy.
Each policy has limitations that should be noted. If you have renter’s insurance, than your insurance only covers your possessions. If you have condominium insurance as a condo unit owner, than your coverage is for your possessions and the structure “from the paint in”, which typically means your policy coverages the paint, wallpaper, flooring, cabinetry, vanities, tiled walls, installed wall mirrors, air conditioners, etc. If you have condominium insurance as the condo association, than your coverage is for common elements and limited common elements such as condo association possessions, drywall, most elements inside the walls, and most elements found on the exterior of the structures that the condo association is responsible for maintaining. Again, it is always best to discuss the forms of coverage with your insurance agent to ensure you have the correct coverage for you prior to a loss being imminent or occurring.
An important aspect of a wind policy is the amount of Deductible applied to wind losses. Your policy usually has a stated deductible amount for typical losses (e.g., fire, theft, non-weather related water loss, etc.), but under a wind policy, it usually is a percentage of your listed coverage amount for your structure (Coverage A on most Declaration Pages). The percentage allowed can be from 1% to 10%. These amounts can be quite significant and can create problems when needing to repair your home after a loss.
Please note, your wind policy will NOT cover your motorized vehicles or watercraft. You will need separate insurance coverage for such items. Cars, boats, jet skis, and other motorized vehicles are excluded under wind policies and almost all homeowners policies.
What to do prior to a wind loss?
You can only recover from your insurer for what you can prove you own. Therefore, you need to keep an accurate record of your contents and structures. It is best to take pictures inside and out of your structure prior to a loss with a picture showing each side of your home outside and each room inside. Additionally, you should keep an accurate listing of all of your contents found in each room and closets along with an approximate value and age of each item (receipts of the items work best). Keep these pictures, listings and receipts in a safe place that can be accessed after a loss.
Also, you need to ensure your agent has the correct information concerning your home, such as age, square footage, materials used, and any recent improvements, upgrades or acquisitions.
It is important to note, artwork and collectibles may require separate insurance coverage in order to be covered from a wind loss. Check out our previous blog posting for more information.
What to do after a Wind Loss?
First, contact your insurance carrier and/or insurance agent to immediately report your claim and damages. Second, if it’s safe, mitigate your loss and prevent further harm. Ensure you keep a record of these expenses since most can be recoup under your policy. Third, once you are able to, take pictures of your damages and start an inventory of any and all lost or damaged items and contents. Fourth, cooperate with your insurance company in all investigations and follow your policy obligations. Review our blog posting “What is a Public Adjuster & Other Industry Professionals?” to better educate yourself on the people involved in your claim.
In the event of a wind or hurricane loss, Middagh Law, P.L.L.C.
wants to work with you to ensure you receive the insurance coverage and compensation you are entitled. If you experience a hurricane loss and you need assistance with an insurance claim, we may be able to help. Feel free to contact us
for a free initial consultation to discuss your matter by calling (786) 395-1148 or emailing richard@middaghlaw.com.
