Posted on September 25, 2023
ICHQ | Site Author
A hurricane is a powerful storm, with high winds and extensive rain. However, if normal thunderstorms often carry the risk of hail damage, do hurricanes carry a risk as well? Would you need your insurance to cover hail damage while in hurricane season?
From the hurricane claim lawyers at Insurance Claim HQ, here are some tips and facts about hurricanes and hail damage.
How Hail Forms in a Major Storm
When a thunderstorm creates rain, some drops may be carried higher into the upper atmosphere, where temperatures are lower. The cold air freezes the raindrops into hail.
As more rain is driven upward and freezes, some drops collide and freeze on the earlier drops, which causes the hail to grow in size. Hail may also grow as it passes through different layers of the storm.
When the updrafts lessen, or the weight of the hailstone grows too high, the hail falls to the ground. The area that hail falls in is known as a swath and can span areas ranging from a few acres to multiple miles.
The speed at which hail falls can vary, ranging from up to 25 miles for small hailstones, to 72 miles per hour for massive hailstones. The speed of the hail is primarily what causes the damage to your home’s roof.
What’s the Difference Between Hail Damage and Wind Damage?
In a strong storm like a hurricane, wind damage is very common. The high winds can blow shingles off of rooftops or crease shingles, resulting in leaks. In severely high winds, siding may be blown off of houses. Granules from shingles may be blown off of rooftops. In a hurricane, structural damage may result.
By contrast, hail damage is more subtle. Granules from shingles may be knocked off. Shingles may be dented, cracked, or otherwise impacted. Leaks are possible if hail damage is severe. Siding may have holes, and downspouts and gutters may be dented as well.
After a hurricane or storm, it is generally advised to have a professional survey your roof for both wind and hail damage to the roof. They may be able to notice damaged areas you may not see and can file a full report with your insurance company. In addition, they may be better suited to access the roof and avoid unstable areas.
Does Hail Form in Hurricanes?
Hail damage in a hurricane is possible but is also rare.
Hurricanes are massive rotating masses of low air pressure. While water droplets are often taken to higher levels in the updrafts, the large warm temperatures in a hurricane tend to melt most hailstones. Further, the updrafts are spread over a wider area.
Does My Policy Cover Wind and Hail Damage?
While most policies cover wind damage, some policies may not cover hail damage. In addition, some policies may have a wind/hail deductible, which requires you to pay a certain amount out of your pocket before the insurance company will pay for any damage.
Some policies only cover wind-related hurricane damage, and may not include coverage from other types of storms or weather, such as tornadoes or straight-line winds. Always check your policy.
Contact Us If Your Home Suffered Hail Damage From a Hurricane
Claims for hail damage from hurricanes, as well as other storms, may be complicated. The experienced homeowners insurance lawyers from Insurance Claim HQ serve the New Orleans metro area and can help guide you through your insurance issues. Call or contact us to get to work on your claim.
