Wind damage is a common occurrence for homeowners in Texas. Strong storms, shifting temperatures, and hurricanes can all lead to high wind speeds that wreak havoc on properties.
You may assume your homeowners’ insurance will cover wind damage like other natural disasters, but in Texas, especially, this is not always true. Reviewing your policy closely with a homeowners’ insurance lawyer will help you understand your coverage and your insurance company’s responsibility to you.
Many Homeowners’ Insurance Policies Cover Wind Damage
The good news is that the average homeowners’ insurance policy does cover wind damage. Homeowners’ insurance generally covers natural disasters, including:
- Storms
- Fires
- Tornadoes
- Hurricanes
These policies also tend to cover damage due to theft or vandalism.
Homeowners’ insurance typically provides coverage for your home’s structure and the other structures on your property, like sheds or fences. So if strong winds damage your roof, shed, fence, siding, or other structures on your property, you may receive coverage through your insurance policy.
This coverage is subject to a deductible, which is the amount of money you must pay before your coverage kicks in. If the value of your damage is less than your deductible, your homeowners’ insurance lawyer may advise you not to file a claim.
Some Policies Include Wind Damage Exclusions
While typical homeowners’ insurance policies do provide coverage for wind damage, some policies in Texas have wind damage exclusions. This means that the insurer excludes wind damage from the coverage.
This is a relatively common exclusion in high-risk coastal areas of Texas due to the prevalence of strong winds and hurricanes. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, your insurer might require this exclusion to:
- Reduce the number of claims it has to pay out
- Reduce the cost of homeowners’ insurance for the average client (since the policy would be much more expensive if it included wind coverage)
Take a look at your insurance policy with a homeowners’ insurance lawyer. It should say exactly what types of damage it does and does not cover. It should specifically state whether wind damage is covered, and if so, what types of damage it includes.
If your policy’s language surrounding wind damage is ambiguous, your property damage lawyer can help you interpret this language and potentially hold the insurer accountable for failing to specifically enumerate your coverage.
What To Do If Your Insurer Denies Your Wind Damage Claim
Wind damage claims are not always straightforward. Some insurance companies deny these claims even when the policy includes coverage for wind-related destruction or when the policy language is ambiguous.
If your insurer has denied your claim, your homeowners policy lawyer can help you through a home insurance dispute. This might include:
- Reviewing the claim denial letter to understand the reason for the denial
- Looking closely at your homeowners’ insurance to determine whether the denial was warranted under the terms of the policy
- Providing further evidence to show that the insurer has a responsibility to pay out your claim
- Appealing the claim denial through the insurance company’s specific appeals process
- Taking legal action against the insurance company for bad faith practices
Working with an experienced claim denial attorney is crucial to upholding your rights under your homeowners’ insurance policy. They will help you effectively communicate with the insurance company and seek the coverage owed to you under your policy.
Seek Coverage Denial Legal Help From Our Homeowners’ Insurance Lawyers
Whether you are navigating a wind claim, fire damage insurance claim, or other type of tricky claim, holding your insurance company responsible for your policy terms is crucial. Allow our homeowners’ insurance lawyers to protect your rights under your insurance policy and help you navigate a denied claim.
Contact McLaurin Law PLLC today at 713-766-5621 to request a consultation.
