Those little (or not-so-little) breezes can tear through your roof, knock over trees, and send your lawn furniture sailing. There’s a thing called windstorm insurance, and it’s here to save the day—or at least your roof.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Wait a second! Isn't that what regular homeowners' insurance covers?" Well, not exactly -- regular homeowners' policies often leave windstorms out completely. Windstorm insurance is like the unsung superhero of your home insurance policy. It's designed to cover damages caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or just the strong gusts of wind that seem to happen during a Tuesday afternoon for no apparent reason.
This insurance typically covers things like:
- Roof damage (adios shingles)
- Broken windows (hopefully not your new stained-glass window)
- Structural damage (walls, doors, even fences)
- Fallen trees (in case your tree’s roots have been rotting away)
Whether you live on the coast or somewhere landlocked, windstorm insurance can save you from costly repairs. If you're in a hurricane-prone area, for example, it can be the difference between getting your home back in shape or just looking at the debris for years to come. Windstorms don’t send out invitations — so, don’t wait to RSVP — protect your property!
If you're not already convinced, check out this article from The Balance on how to prepare for a storm season, Windstorms And Hurricanes: What You Need to Know.
You may be asking yourself, “Okay, great, but how do I know what’s right for me?” Well, don’t just sit there like a lost weather balloon—grab your phone, make that call, and ask your agent these crucial questions:
- Is windstorm damage covered under my current policy?
- What exactly is covered under windstorm insurance?
- What’s my deductible?
- Does my area qualify for windstorm coverage?