What Types of Storm Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Michigan weather has never been predictable. In the same year, homeowners may face severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, hailstorms, tornado remnants, heavy snowfall, and sudden temperature swings that turn slush into ice overnight. These events frequently cause major property damage, and navigating your Michigan homeowners insurance policy after a storm can be confusing.
At Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss—Michigan’s oldest and longest dedicated policyholder property loss law firm, licensed in Michigan and Ohio and admitted pro hac vice nationwide—we help homeowners and businesses recover after severe weather. Below is a clear explanation of what storm damage is typically covered, what insurers look for, and how to protect your rights if a claim becomes difficult.
Storm Damage Insurance Michigan: What Your Policy Usually Covers
1. Wind Damage (Including Derechos and Tornadoes)
Windstorms are among the most frequent causes of property losses in Michigan, Ohio and throughout the Midwest. Coverage usually applies to:
Torn or missing shingles
Roof lifting or structural compromise
Siding damage
Broken windows
Detached gutters and downspouts
Damage from flying debris
Michigan, Ohio and property owners throughout the Midwest increasingly see strong straight-line winds and derechos capable of hurricane-force gusts. If these winds damage your home or commercial structure, storm damage insurance typically covers repair or replacement costs—though insurers may dispute the scope of the damage or the pricing.
2. Hail Damage
Hailstorms can strike suddenly and destroy roofing, siding, windows, decks, and vehicles. Most standard policies cover hail damage, but insurers often attempt to classify minor granule loss or cosmetic dents as “non-functional.” If a storm damages the integrity of your roof, siding, or windows, this should qualify as a covered loss.
Documentation—especially same-day photos—significantly strengthens your claim.
3. Lightning Strikes and Electrical Surges
Lightning strikes can:
Cause fires
Destroy appliances and electronics
Damage wiring
Lead to smoke and soot contamination
Property insurance policies almost always cover lightning-related losses. If lightning triggers a fire, that fire damage is typically covered regardless of the fire’s spread. Electrical surge damage is also generally included—but insurers may try to challenge replacement costs for electronics or appliances unless you have clear evidence. Since every policy and jurisdiction is unique, we carefully review our client’s individual circumstances to ensure maximum coverage.
4. Fallen Trees and Debris Impact
Midwest storms often knock down trees, branches, and utility poles. Property insurance usually covers:
A tree falling on your structure
Damage to a detached structure like a garage or shed
Removal of fallen debris when it damages covered property
Coverage typically does not apply if a tree falls in your yard without damaging a structure, unless it blocks a driveway or handicap access. However, when high winds cause structural damage, the resulting repairs and debris removal are usually covered.
Insurers sometimes dispute whether a tree was dead or diseased before the storm—an area where our Michigan storm damage attorney can help.
5. Ice, Snow, and “Weight of Ice and Snow” Damage
Here in Michigan and throughout the Midwest, winters create hazards like:
Ice dams that force water under shingles
Heavy snow loads that collapse roofs
Frozen gutters that cause overflow and water intrusion
Most Midwest and Michigan homeowners and commercial insurance policies cover weight of ice, snow, and sleet as a named peril. Ice dam water damage is typically covered as well, but insurers often attempt to deny claims by alleging “maintenance issues.” In the past decade, we are seeing more and more cases related to ice, snow and the weight of ice and snow damage. Documenting your roof’s condition and showing that the damage was caused by a sudden weather event helps rebut these arguments.
6. Wind-Driven Rain and Storm-Related Water Intrusion
Storms that push water through windows, siding gaps, vents, or roof openings usually result in covered losses—as long as the opening was caused by the storm.
For example, some of the cases we have successfully litigated include:
Wind blows shingles off → rain enters attic → covered
Wind shatters a window → rain floods a room → covered
Where disputes arise: slow leaks, long-term seepage, or pre-existing gaps. When water intrusion follows a clear storm-created opening, insurers must cover the resulting damage. We help our business, commercial and residential policyholders prepare their best possible claim after severe and costly damage.
Storm Damage Typically Not Covered (Important for Michigan Policyholders)
While most storm damage is covered, common exclusions include:
Flooding from surface water or rising rivers
Sewer or sump pump backup (unless you purchased optional coverage)
Gradual deterioration or rot
Pre-existing roof damage
Mold resulting from long-term leaks
Damage due to lack of maintenance
Michigan weather often makes the line between “storm damage” and “maintenance” a point of contention—one reason so many homeowners turn to storm damage attorneys when insurers push back. For our Michigan, Ohio and clients we represent throughout the Midwest including Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, we carefully build the best case for our business and homeowners based on their unique set of facts and damage.
What to Do After Storm Damage Occurs
To protect your rights under your property insurance policy:
Document everything immediately (photos, video, written notes)
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
Save all receipts for tarps, fans, contractors
Report the loss promptly to your insurer
Request an in-person inspection
Avoid discarding damaged materials until after the inspection
Consult a storm damage attorney early in the process so we can best help you prepare your claim and always if the insurer delays or undervalues the claim
Prompt documentation and proper mitigation are required under most Michigan policies and the insurance policy we review and litigate for clients across the Midwest and country.
When to Contact a Michigan Storm Damage Attorney
Complex or high-value storm damage claims often benefit from legal guidance—especially when:
The insurer claims the roof was already worn
Coverage is partially denied
Damage is undervalued
The insurer blames improper maintenance
Repairs are far more expensive than the insurer estimates
Trees or debris cause structural damage
Lightning or surge losses involve electronics or wiring
Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss is widely recognized for representing policyholders in fire, explosion, hail, wind, winter storm, and water damage claims. We are licensed in Michigan and Ohio and frequently admitted pro hac vice in large-loss cases nationwide. Public adjusters and personal attorneys regularly refer clients to us because of our experience handling complicated storm disputes.
Conclusion: Know Your Coverage—And Your Rights
Michigan storms can cause sudden, devastating property damage—but your homeowners insurance is designed to protect you. Understanding your coverage helps you act quickly and avoid common claim disputes. If your insurer delays, denies, or underpays your storm damage claim, you are not alone. If your Michigan or Ohio building, commercial structure or home has been damaged by severe storms, contact us for a complimentary consultation to see if you can benefit from having an experienced storm damage lawyer review your claim
Contact Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss to speak with an experienced Michigan storm damage attorney. We help policyholders secure the full compensation they deserve after severe weather events.