Insurance - What You Need to Know For a Windstorm

Do not assume that a regular policy automatically covers damage accrued due to a hurricane; two policies, a traditional homeowner's policy and a windstorm policy must be in place, and the two together will provide optimal relief in the event of hurricane damage. In searching for windstorm coverage, be aware that there is likely a discount for those who hold multiple policies with one company. Therefore, if your current company does not offer the policy you are seeking, consider your automobile or life insurance company, or, for the most financially beneficial choice, move all four policies to the same company.

It should be noted that there are times, perhaps during infamous hurricane seasons or immediately after devastating storms, when certain companies will not write new policies or take on new customers. If you are shopping for coverage, familiarize yourself with the storm season; it is not uncommon for policies to be unavailable as the season approaches. Companies face potentially major loss by providing coverage in the face of the season, and, similarly, individuals with sporadic policy history may be seen as risks. To blatantly clarify, dropping your policy at the end of a season and, in turn, seeking a new one at the beginning of the next is not a smart move.

Windstorm insurance is a necessity for coast dwellers, but it is important to know what is considered wind damage. For example, a house near the water is likely to be flooded during a hurricane, but the cause of the flood will need to be assessed. Damage caused by rising water that seeps into and floods a house may not be covered by windstorm insurance if the wind itself was not the cause of the flooding; this particular example of a house is probable to be in a flood zone requiring flood insurance. However, if the wind forces attributed to the hurricane hurl debris through a window and the house subsequently floods by rain and storm water coming through the window, your policy is likely to provide relief.

Windstorm companies and associated assessors are honest people providing honest services, and being undereducated about these services can cause unnecessary and exponential devastation in the face disaster.