03/12/2026
Well another windstorm has hit our area and you may have found yourself with damages of some degree…
What do you need to do if you have any damage?
1. Contact your agent/carrier. Go over your coverages, exclusions, deductibles. Come to an informed decision on if filing a claim is something worth pursuing. (A claim on your record for 5 years for $700 worth of fencing isnt worth it).
Dont let a random agent in some random group tell you what stuff on your policy is and isnt covered. They may not be familiar with your carrier, they didnt write the policy, and they cant see your coverages/exclusions. Stick with those whom you trusted to start with until you get nowhere. If you have to get help elsewhere, provide a full copy of your policy!!!!
2. Take photos. Multiple angles if possible, show there the damage came from (ex: specific trees if they lose tops/branches)
3. Create a List of the damaged items (an example: roof damaged by top of tree falling through the NE side of home. Damaged siding, eaves, gutter, shingles) detailed info helps expedite claims process if necessary to file.
4. If you have spoken with your agent about issues and they advise you to proceed: Remediate issues on your home. Like hiring licensed and insured professionals to remove trees, branches, repair damages, and seal up openings caused by damages to limit further damage. USE LICENSED AND INSURED TRADESMEN FOR THE CLASS OF WORK BEING PERFORMED. A handyman is very likely NOT INSURED to remove a tree that has fallen into your home or get up on your roof to replace shingles. Get a licensed and insured Aborist/Tree Removal company to perform the work. A licensed and insured roofer/GC with appropriate coverages to repair roofing and siding, etc. Just because someone makes a Facebook post or comments in a community group that they can do the work, doesn’t mean they are licensed or insured to perform the work. This matters, especially in the claims process.
5. Take more photos. Before and after remediation show what was removed to help the claims adjusters pay out quicker or create proper documentation of losses.
6. Have patience! These storms create a backlog of claims and the claims loads get overwhelming for some carriers. Payouts can happen rather quickly, or take a month or two depending on severity of damage.
7. Speak with your agent again to fill them in on what you have had done, and discuss other coverages that may be available to you in case you are displaced from your home due to a covered loss.
Hope this information is helpful. If you need referrals for tree removal, roofing specialists, contractors, etc… please feel free to ask us! We keep a detailed list of insured and licensed professionals for a number of trades.
