The Difference Between Wind, Flood and Storm Damage

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy flickr

Just when you thought it was safe after Dorian came and went, here comes Humberto.  While only a tropical storm as I write this blog, the predictions for Humberto are for much more wind and rain to fall on Florida than it did with Dorian.  With that in mind, I thought I’d take the time to cover the difference between flood and storm damage this week.  Especially for those homeowners who don’t have a flood policy, this information could mean the difference between having a claim approved or denied after the next named storm roars through town.

1.      We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto! – When it comes to named storms, they pack a lot of wind.  This wind can knock over trees, knock out power, rip shingles off your roof and in some instances blow out windows.  While the windstorm portion of your homeowner’s insurance is designed to help you put your home back in order once the storm has passed, there are a few things you need to know before you file a claim.  If your roof is damaged by wind, the insurance company has an obligation to repair or replace it, whichever costs less.  That sounds good, doesn’t it?  Just bear in mind that no insurance company is going to cover the costs of replacing a roof that was in dire straits before the storm hit.  If your roof is more than 20-years old and is in poor repair, you could wind up having your claim denied.  This means if you haven’t already documented the condition of your roof, you need to snap some photos before Humberto makes its way here.  (Better yet, shoot a video inside and outside your home.) Another way your claim can be denied is if your policy includes an anti-concurrent causation clause.  In layman terms what this clause means is if your roof is blown off only to cause your home to flood, the insurer is off the hook if you don’t have a separate flood insurance policy.   

Image courtesy flickr

2.      What the hail? – Another way your home, business or automobile can wind up being damaged by a storm is via hail.  While Florida storms don’t produce extra-large hailstones like they see in other parts of the country, that doesn’t mean a named storm or even a passing thunderstorm can’t include hail.  These frozen pellets travel at speeds as high as 125 MPH.  This means they can dent cars or damage roof shingles with ease.  If you want to get compensated for hail damage there are a few dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind.  As soon as the hail stops falling, you should head out with your smartphone to capture the moment on camera.  Better still is to put a ruler or golf ball in the picture next to the hailstones to give them some scale.  Once the storm has passed you should take pictures of the damage the hailstorm inflicted.  Don’t think that your roof needs to be leaking to submit a claim.  Any damage to your property caused by a hailstorm could be covered by your homeowner’s policy.  The next step is to contact your agent to tell them what has occurred, as well as to email your photos to them.  If you do have a leak, feel free to cover it with a tarp, but do NOT conduct any repairs until you have spoken to your agent. 

3.      Man the lifeboats! – When is a flood not a flood?  That sounds\s like a trick question.  The problem is the joke could be on you if the damage to your home is judged to be caused by flooding and you have no flood insurance policy.  To put it simply, water damage is caused by precipitation that comes down from the sky, while flooding is characterized by water that comes up from the ground.  The problem is that water damage and flood damage can look remarkably similar.  So, it’s on the homeowner to prove that any water damage caused by a storm was NOT caused by flood but by rain.   Once again, the secret to getting a water damage claim promptly paid is to document your home before and after the storm.  If flood waters did not reach your home and your roof was damaged such that water percolated onto your ceiling, walls, and carpet, do you have the photos that prove all the above?  If wind or hail cracked or blew out a window allowing the rain to enter your home, can you prove this was the cause of the water damage?  They used to say that the proof is in the pudding.  Today it’s more accurate to say that the proof is in the photos.  The better you document storm damage, the better your chances of having your claim paid.

Image courtesy Pixabay

4.      Are you out of your tree? – Another area of concern should be any large trees in your or your neighbor’s yard.  Should a tree fall onto your home or car, you need to document the fact that the tree wasn’t either rotten or listing before it took a tumble.  If any of the trees in a neighboring property look like they’re on their last legs, it is up to you to inform your neighbor that the tree needs to be pruned or cut down, even if it costs you a few dollars to get an opinion from a tree surgeon.  One of the surest ways to have a claim from a fallen tree denied is to have the adjuster note significant damage that was not caused by the storm. 

5.      Have you looked into adding a flood policy? – Believe it or not, you don’t have to be in a flood zone to have flood water reach your home or business.  It also doesn’t take a named storm to produce a flood in your neighborhood.  Being the thunderstorm capital of the country, Florida sees more thunderstorms in a month than many other states see in a year.  If the rain comes down hard enough long enough, it can pond to the point that it reaches your home or office.  Even worse, if your sewer backs up during a squall, this can lead to water backing up into your property.  In either case, the cost to repair your property after a flood could be extremely costly.  When you realize the small amount of money it takes to cover your home or business with flood insurance, isn’t it time you at least discussed the possibility with your friendly insurance agent?

Catherine Powell is the owner of A Plus All Florida, Insurance in Orange Park, Florida.  To find out more about saving money on all your insurance needs, check out her website at http://aplusallfloridainsuranceinc.com/