The Cost of Windstorms

It’s a bright, sunny day outside but a hurricane is drawing near. Or, you may already be in the middle of a severe thunderstorm. The hurricane may not be a direct hit, but your property or business may still be affected by high winds. Thunderstorms are notorious for creating winds that cause major damage. Wind damage, a major issue, is the basis of many insurance claims. Windstorms include hurricanes, thunderstorms, hail storms and tornadoes. Many states are known for inclement weather, which leaves any month of the year fair game. Tornado activity has also been on the rise for a few years in areas that were previously untouched.

A typical windstorm can be a few seconds, minutes or last for a few days. 2012’s Hurricane Issac was not a direct hit, but still caused damages well past the $100,000 mark. Here are a few reasons why you should think about getting windstorm insurance:

To protect your property: It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you have detached structures that have the potential of blowing away. The insurance industry is very volatile and rates may be even higher in the near future. Weather is unpredictable. It’s risky taking the chance of not having windstorm insurance. A major wind disaster can leave you in tremendous debt or cause enough damage to make your home uninhabitable.

If you run a business out of your home, there are certain items that are not covered by a standard homeowner’s policy. If you do not have business insurance that includes a windstorm policy, you could lose valuable documents or items crucial to the longevity of your business.

While residents can opt out of having a windstorm policy included in their homeowner’s insurance, they will be very unhappy in the event they ever need to file a claim. Without windstorm coverage, if your property is damaged, there isn’t much a public adjuster can do. Don’t leave your property or business at risk. Wind can create just as much damage as water, if not more. Having a windstorm endorsement on your policy will save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind.

If you have damage due to a windstorm or any other disaster, make sure your first call is to Reliable Claims Adjusting. As your advocate we work to maximize your settlement and make sure all of your damage is repaired correctly and in full.