Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind and Hail Damage?

Severe wind and hail are familiar concerns for homeowners throughout Northwest Ohio. Most homeowners insurance policies generally cover direct damage caused by wind and hail, but that does not mean every type of storm damage—or every roof claim—is covered the same way.

Your deductible, roof age, valuation method, exclusions, endorsements, policy limits, and the circumstances of the damage can all affect how a claim is handled. Reviewing these details before the next storm can help you know what to expect from your homeowners insurance.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind and Hail?

Wind and hail are commonly listed as covered causes of loss under homeowners insurance. Depending on the policy, coverage may apply when a storm damages parts of your property such as:

• The roof and shingles

• Siding and exterior trim

• Windows and doors

• Gutters and downspouts

• Detached garages or sheds

• Personal property inside the home

Coverage applies only according to the specific terms of your policy. Damage caused by wear and tear, deterioration, improper installation, or a lack of maintenance generally is not covered—even if the problem becomes noticeable after a storm.

Homeowners should review their home insurance coverage before severe weather occurs instead of waiting until damage has already happened.

Wind and Hail Deductibles

A deductible is the portion of a covered claim that the homeowner is responsible for paying. Some policies apply the same deductible to wind and hail claims as they do to other property claims. Others may have a separate wind or hail deductible.

A separate deductible may be expressed as a fixed dollar amount or as a percentage, depending on the policy. Because percentage deductibles can work differently than a standard flat deductible, it is important to understand how yours would be calculated.

Your policy’s declarations page is a good place to begin, but an insurance advisor can help explain which deductible would apply to a particular type of storm loss.

Exclusions and Coverage Limitations to Review

Even when wind and hail are covered, a policy may contain provisions that affect the amount or type of coverage available.

Examples may include:

• Cosmetic-damage limitations for metal roofs, siding, gutters, or other surfaces

• Different coverage for an older roof

• Actual cash value rather than replacement-cost valuation

• Exclusions for deterioration, faulty workmanship, or inadequate maintenance

• Limits applying to trees, landscaping, antennas, fences, or detached structures

• Requirements governing when damaged property must be repaired or replaced

These provisions vary by policy and insurance carrier. Homeowners should not assume that a neighbor’s storm claim will be handled in the same way as their own.

For a broader explanation of common policy considerations, read our guide to home insurance coverage in Archbold.

Roof Age and Actual Cash Value

Roof age can be an important factor in a wind or hail claim. Some policies provide replacement-cost coverage for roof damage, while others settle certain roof losses on an actual-cash-value basis.

Replacement-cost coverage generally considers the cost to repair or replace covered property with materials of similar kind and quality, subject to the policy’s conditions and limits. Depending on the policy, the insurer may initially make an actual-cash-value payment and release additional amounts after repairs are completed and documented.

Actual cash value generally accounts for depreciation based on factors such as the roof’s age and condition. As a result, an older roof insured at actual cash value could produce a lower claim payment than a roof covered at replacement cost.

Ask your insurance advisor how your roof is valued and whether that valuation changes as the roof gets older.

What to Do After a Wind or Hailstorm

After a storm, begin by making sure everyone is safe. Do not climb onto a damaged or wet roof yourself.

Once it is safe:

1. Take photographs and videos of the visible damage.

2. Record the date and approximate time of the storm.

3. Make a list of damaged property.

4. Contact your insurance company or agent for guidance.

5. Take reasonable temporary steps to prevent additional damage.

6. Keep receipts for temporary repairs and emergency expenses.

7. Avoid permanent repairs or discarding damaged materials until you receive instructions.

The Ohio Department of Insurance recommends making necessary temporary repairs to protect the property from further damage and keeping the related receipts.

If a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, your policy may provide additional living expense coverage. This coverage is subject to policy terms and limits, so save receipts and speak with the insurer before making long-term arrangements.

Questions to Ask During Your Next Policy Review

Consider asking your insurance advisor:

• Does my policy have a separate wind or hail deductible?

• Is that deductible a fixed amount or a percentage?

• Is my roof insured at replacement cost or actual cash value?

• Does my roof’s age affect how a claim would be settled?

• Does my policy contain a cosmetic-damage limitation?

• How are detached garages, sheds, fences, and trees covered?

• Have recent renovations changed my home’s replacement cost?

• What documentation should I maintain before storm season?

Your policy review should focus on the actual language of your insurance contract rather than general assumptions about what homeowners insurance covers.

Review Your Home Insurance Before the Next Storm

Wind and hail coverage can vary based on the policy, deductible, roof valuation, endorsements, exclusions, limits, and facts of the loss. A review can help you understand your current coverage and identify questions to address before severe weather arrives.

Short Agency Insurance serves homeowners in Archbold and communities throughout Northwest Ohio. If you would like help reviewing your options, request a home insurance quote or contact our office to speak with an insurance advisor.

Coverage descriptions are general and are not a statement of coverage. Actual coverage is determined by the applicable policy language, endorsements, exclusions, limits, deductibles, and circumstances of each loss.