Home Insurance Guides & Resources

Repairing storm damage to your home

It's important to read your insurance policy and learn the types of storm damages it may or may not cover. Storms can be disastrous for homeowners, especially without vital information you should know about your home and how to best protect your family and belongings. Here's what you should prioritise. ### Check the roof for damage After the storm, it is important you check the roof for damages from fallen branches, hail, flood, wind, rain, fire and other natural weather conditions. ### Home structure damage Storms can blow off tree branches and other debris into your house. Take a good look around the property when safe to do so. In case you notice any damage, call the emergency services immediately. ### Find a contractor If you notice storm damage, call a contractor. A good professional should be able to spot out cracks, leakages, paint damages and missing shingles. ### Call your insurance company After the contractor, call your insurance company. First make sure that the insurance policy includes wind and storm damages. ## What kind of damage does a storm do to my house? Below are the typical types of damage a storm may do to your house. ### Hail damage Best to can hire professionals to identify spots on your roof that many have been damaged or cracked tiles. ### Impact damage Events like fallen trees are one of the obvious signs of impact damage. Heavy winds can cause trees to fall and damage your house property ### Water damage Unsightly and often smelly water damage can lead to serious complications for your health and your house. ## Does insurance cover your house for storm damage? Wind, flood and fallen trees can wreak havoc on a home. Storm damage is usually covered up by your home insurance but often insurer must be convinced that your home has been kept to a reasonable standard. Disputes may arise and insurers will decide whether they pay out in the event of a claim. Homeowners insurance may cover some causes of storm damage such as lightning, wind and hail. In other cases such as earthquakes and flood, they are not covered by the standard insurance policy. You should read your company policy and learn the types of storm damages it does and does not cover. ## What should you do if a storm damages your house? You should be prepared to take immediate action in cases of storm damage. Your priority is the safety of your family. Immediate repairs should be done while your family can stay with a friend or a hotel. Your family should be safe before any other action. Report the issue to an emergency service and contact your insurance company to find out the nest step. Check out the gutters and power lines. Be careful while doing this because electrical wiring is energised and not safe. Your contractor will make a chec list of all damages and share the information with your insurance company. Let the insurance company do their work and get your house and property in good shape again.