Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage from severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and high winds. This typically includes damage to your home's structure, roof, siding, windows, and doors. However, it's important to review your specific policy to understand your coverage limits.

• Board up broken windows and doors: This will help protect your home's interior from further damage.

• Cover damaged roofs with tarps: This can prevent water damage and protect your belongings.

• Remove fallen debris: Clear debris from your property to prevent further damage and potential hazards.

• Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damage to your property from various angles.

To file a wind damage claim, you'll typically need to provide the following documentation:

• Proof of loss: This document outlines the details of the damage and the estimated cost of repairs.

• Photos and videos: Visual evidence of the damage can help support your claim.

• Repair estimates: Detailed estimates from contractors can help determine the cost of repairs.

• Receipts: Any receipts for repairs, temporary living expenses, or other related costs can be helpful.

If wind damage to your home is caused by a fallen tree, your homeowner's insurance may cover the damage, depending on your policy and specific circumstances. However, if the tree was on your property, it's important to check your policy to see if it covers damage caused by falling objects.

The timeline for a wind damage claim can vary depending on the severity of the damage, the efficiency of your insurance company, and any potential disputes. However, by working closely with your insurance adjuster and providing all necessary documentation, you can expedite the claims process.

If you own a rental property that was damaged by a storm, you may be eligible for coverage for lost rental income and property damage. Your insurance policy will determine the specific coverage available.

If your home is significantly damaged and uninhabitable, your insurance policy may cover the cost of temporary housing.

After discovering wind damage, safety comes first. Start by inspecting the property cautiously. Look for hazards like exposed electrical wires, broken glass, or unstable structures. Once it's safe:

• Photograph all damage from multiple angles before moving anything.
  

• Avoid making permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has assessed the damage.
  

• Prevent further damage with temporary fixes like tarping a roof or boarding up windows.
  

• Contact your insurer and consider hiring a public adjuster to represent your interests during the claim process.

Insurance companies assess wind damage using a combination of adjuster inspections, contractor estimates, and internal software that calculates costs based on local labor and material rates. They may also factor in depreciation, especially for older roofing or siding. However, these assessments can vary significantly, and homeowners often benefit from having an independent public adjuster review the damage to ensure nothing is undervalued or missed.

Cosmetic wind damage such as dents, scratches, or paint loss may or may not be covered depending on your specific policy language. Some insurance companies limit coverage to functional damage that impacts the integrity of the structure. However, in Florida, there are scenarios where cosmetic damage must be addressed, especially if it affects the property's value or leads to additional deterioration. A public adjuster can help argue your case for coverage if your insurer disputes cosmetic repairs.

Yes. Wind can cause subtle but serious structural issues that aren't immediately visible, such as:

• Roof uplift compromising support beams
  

• Foundation shifts due to downed trees or heavy debris
  

• Cracked trusses or weakened load-bearing walls These problems may develop over time, so it’s important to have a thorough post-storm inspection. Missing hidden damage during your claim can result in costly out-of-pocket repairs later. A licensed public adjuster knows how to identify and document these issues effectively.

Filing a claim for wind damage may affect your insurance premiums, but this depends on several factors:

• The frequency of your claims
  

• Your insurance provider’s policies
  

• The overall number of claims in your area

If your claim hasn’t been denied yet, start with a licensed public adjuster, they can handle negotiations and maximize your settlement without the high legal fees.

Many Florida homeowners are unsure whether to hire a lawyer or a public adjuster when facing property damage. Here’s the key distinction:

• A public adjuster, like Harrell Adjusting Services, is licensed to inspect, document, file, and negotiate your claim directly with the insurance company. We maximize your payout before legal action is needed.
  

• A lawyer is typically brought in after a claim has been denied or when there's a legal dispute. Attorneys can file lawsuits but often come with higher fees and longer timelines.

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For most Winter Haven homeowners, hiring a public adjuster is the faster, more cost-effective first step, especially for storm, wind, roof, mold, or water claims. We only get paid when you get paid, and we often resolve claims without ever needing an attorney.

If the claim becomes adversarial or litigation is necessary, we can refer you to a qualified property damage attorney and provide them with a fully prepared file that strengthens your case.

Wind damage is typically covered by homeowners insurance, flood damage requires separate flood insurance, and storm damage is a broader term that may include multiple types depending on the policy.

Understanding the difference between wind, flood, and storm damage is critical when filing a property damage claim in Florida:

• Wind Damage: Caused by high winds, hurricanes, or tornadoes, includes roof damage, broken windows, and siding loss. Usually covered by standard homeowners insurance.
  

• Flood Damage: Caused by rising water from outside the home, such as storm surge, overflowing lakes, or heavy rain that seeps in. Not covered by homeowners insurance; requires a separate flood policy through FEMA or a private insurer.
  

• Storm Damage: A broad term that may involve a combination of wind, rain, hail, or lightning. Coverage depends on how your insurance defines "storm" and what caused the loss.
  

Insurance companies often try to classify damage in the least covered category to reduce payouts. At Harrell Adjusting Services, we specialize in identifying and categorizing damage accurately to ensure you're not underpaid or denied due to policy language. This is especially important in hurricane-prone areas like Winter Haven, where overlapping damages are common.

A hurricane deductible is a separate, higher deductible that applies to damage caused by named storms in Florida, and it directly reduces the amount your insurer pays out.

In Florida, most homeowners policies include a hurricane deductible, which is different from your standard deductible. It only applies when the damage is caused by a named storm (hurricane or tropical storm) and is typically 2% to 10% of your home's insured value.

For example, if your home is insured for $400,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you’re responsible for the first $8,000 of storm-related repairs, before your insurance pays anything.

Key facts about hurricane deductibles in Florida:

• They apply only when the National Hurricane Center names the storm
  

• The deductible resets once per calendar year
  

• It may apply to all storm-related claims during the year, not just one incident
  

• It can significantly reduce your insurance payout if you're not prepared
  

At Harrell Adjusting Services, we help homeowners in Winter Haven and across Florida understand how their hurricane deductible impacts their claim, and we work to ensure all eligible damages are properly documented, so you get the maximum payout beyond that threshold.