Homeowners’ insurance policies help protect your home and your wallet from unforeseen damage, and one of the hallmarks of these policies is the protection they provide against storms. If your home is damaged, your policy can help you cover the cost of repairs, but not all types of damage are covered by your policy. Though a Michigan property insurance claims attorney can help you appeal a decision if your claim is denied, it’s helpful to understand the common types of storm damage most policies cover.
The Types of Storm Damage Homeowners’ Insurance Covers
Homeowners’ insurance is far from comprehensive, but there are a few types of storm damage that almost every policy will cover.
Wind
Wind damage can involve anything from missing shingles to torn-up siding and downed power lines damaging parts of your property. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies will protect against wind damage, whether it’s from a freak squall or a tornado touching down on your property.
Hail
Hail is one of the more destructive types of weather events, and the larger the hailstones are, the more severe the damage can be. It’s not uncommon for large hailstones to break windows, cause roof damage, crack decking materials, damage your siding, and even cause leaks that develop into extensive water damage over time. Hail damage is covered by standard homeowners’ insurance policies.
Storm-Created Water Damage
Water damage doesn’t just happen from leaky roofs. It can also result from frozen and cracked pipes, leaks in your windows, foundation damage caused by heavy rain, and other similar issues. Home insurance policies cover storm-related water damage in most cases. Keep in mind that flooding and sewer backup damage typically require additional insurance. If your home is damaged as a result of a flood or sewer main backup and you don’t have coverage in place, you could be stuck paying for repairs out of pocket.
Fallen Trees
Fallen trees can damage your home, fence, exterior structures, storage sheds, and other components. Since these items are considered part of your property, they’re typically covered under a standard homeowners’ insurance policy. If a tree falls on your property, your insurance provider should help you cover the cost of any necessary repairs. This is true even if the tree that fell wasn’t planted on your property.
Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes can spark fires, damage roofs and chimneys, and case power surges that damage the wiring in your home. Your home insurance policy should cover any damage done by lightning strikes. Remember, the amount that your insurance provider will pay is capped by your policy’s coverage limits.
What Happens if Your Storm Damage Claim Is Denied?
When you file a home insurance claim, your insurance provider will review the damage and make sure the damage is covered under your specific policy. If it is, they’ll typically issue you a settlement offer that you’re free to accept or contest if you think it’s too low. But if the incident isn’t covered by your policy, your claim will likely be denied.
But just because your claim was denied doesn’t mean you can’t appeal the decision. Insurance providers can make mistakes when reviewing claims. And homeowners can make mistakes when submitting their claims. This can result in a denial even when the claim should be approved.
If you think your claim was denied inappropriately, working with a Michigan property insurance claims attorney may be a good option. Your attorney will be able to represent your interests with the insurance provider and help you appeal the decision.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If your homeowners’ insurance claim has been denied, you can appeal the decision. Let an experienced Michigan property insurance claims attorney help. At Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss, our team understands the frustration that denied claims can bring. We’ll help you contest the decision and will represent your interests with your insurance provider to help you get the money you need for repairs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.