Steps to Take After Suffering Hurricane Wind Damage to Your Home

The wind damage caused by a tropical storm or a hurricane can be extreme. As explained by the National Weather Service, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is used to classify storms arising out of the Atlantic Ocean. A category one hurricane is one with winds between 75 and 94 miles per hour (MPH). Damage will occur. With category 4 hurricanes (130+ MPH winds) and category 5 hurricanes (156+ MPH), catastrophic damage is guaranteed.

If your home sustained major wind damage in a hurricane, it is imperative that you are prepared to take action to secure the full and fair insurance benefits that you need to start putting the pieces back together. At Insurance Claim HQ, we have extensive experience holding insurers accountable for paying wind damage claims after major Gulf Coast storms. Here, our New Orleans wind damage lawyer highlights the steps to take after sustaining hurricane wind damage to your home.

Hurricane Wind Damage Can Destroy Your Property

Tropical storms and hurricanes bring dramatic, devastating winds. The wind can be so strong that it obliterates homes and businesses.

Strong, sustained winds and powerful gusts can tear roofs from houses, uproot trees, and hurl debris. Even well-constructed buildings are vulnerable to the force of hurricane winds—especially if there is a Category 3, Category 4, or Category 5 hurricane. High winds can shatter windows and destabilize structures. Homeowners and business owners often face the overwhelming task of repairing the damage.

Five Steps to Take if Hurricane Wind Damaged Your Home

Step #1: Remember that Your Safety is the Top Priority

Hurricanes are extremely dangerous. They can create life-threatening conditions. Your safety always comes first. It is more important to protect your health, safety, and well-being than your property.

Indeed, you should prioritize your safety and the safety of your family above all else during and after a hurricane. Among other things, that means evacuating when needed. Property can be repaired and rebuilt. If the structural integrity of your home is compromised, evacuate immediately.

For example, if you notice significant roof damage or broken support beams, these could indicate the risk of a potential collapse. Stay with relatives friends, or seek shelter at a local relief center until it is safe to return. The insurance claims process—while very important—comes after the storm has calmed down and you are safe.

Step #2: Notify Your Homeowner’s Insurance Company that Wind Damage has Occurred

Take a careful look at the terms of your insurance company. As a general rule, your homeowner’s insurance coverage or your commercial property insurance coverage will contain provisions that require you to provide notice in a timely manner. You should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the wind damage. When you do so, be prepared to provide your policy number and the date of the incident. You do not have to know all of the details at this point. Instead, you only need to notify your insurance provider that an incident has happened. A more comprehensive investigation will happen later in the process. Timely notification is essential.

Step #3: Carefully Document All of the Damage Caused By High Winds 

Documentation is one of the keys to building a strong, successful wind damage claim. You should take photos and videos of all damaged areas. As a best practice, it is useful to include wide shots and close-ups. You should also document specific things caused by wind damage—such as shattered windows, missing shingles, and any water damage inside your home that is directly linked to the wind.

Remember, the visual evidence—the documentation—will support your insurance claim. For example, photograph a collapsed fence or scattered roof tiles to illustrate the extent of the damage caused by high winds during a major hurricane.

Step #4: Secure the Property to Mitigate and Further Damage 

Virtually every property insurance policy—both homeowner’s policy and commercial insurance policies—will include specific language requiring the policyholder to secure their property and mitigate their damages to the extent that it is safe and reasonable to do so. After documenting the damage, take steps to prevent additional harm. Some basic steps, such as covering broken windows with plywood and securing tarps over exposed areas of your roof, can make a big difference. It helps protect your home from the elements. For instance, boarding up windows can prevent rain from entering and causing further water damage. If you fail to properly mitigate the damage, the insurance company may try to reduce the value of (or even deny) your property damage claim.

Step #5: Make a List of Available Contractors and Start Getting Quotes

After a major hurricane, getting repairs to your home or business can be a daunting task. Contractors tend to be busy. You need to get in touch with the right professionals for the specific damage that you are dealing with. It is best practice to research and compile a list of reputable contractors who specialize in storm damage repair. You should contact multiple service providers to ensure you receive a fair quote for the repairs. For example, if your roof needs to be replaced, you should generally try to get estimates from at least three different roofing companies to compare prices and services. These estimates can be helpful for the wind damage claims process.

You Have the Right to Appeal a Hurricane Wind Damage Denial

Unfortunately, hurricane wind damage claims may be denied for a wide variety of reasons. It is important to emphasize that you have the right to appeal a denial. Be proactive. Your insurance provider does not get to make the final decision on your benefits. You can challenge an unfair rejection of your claim. You should start by reviewing the denial letter carefully to understand the reasons provided by the insurance company. Among other things, this means gathering all relevant documentation—such as photographs of the damage, repair estimates, and any correspondence with the insurance adjuster. Do not go it alone: Consult with a New Orleans wind damage attorney who has experience handling appeals.

How Our Wind Damage Attorney Can Help With Your Claim

Wind damage claims are complicated. For a wide range of different reasons, property insurance companies try to undervalue—or even outright deny—wind damage claims. At Insurance Claim HQ, we hold them accountable. Our case results speak for themselves. We are prepared to help homeowners with both their initial wind damage claim and, if necessary, with a wind damage appeal.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New Orleans Hurricane Wind Damage Lawyer Today

At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans hurricane wind damage attorneys put the rights and interests of our clients first. We know how to get results in complex cases. If you have any questions or concerns about wind damage claims, our team can help. Contact us right away for a no-cost, no-commitment initial case review. We represent property owners in hurricane wind damage claims in New Orleans and across the wider region.