What Is Considered Wind Damage for Insurance Purposes?

Wind damage includes physical harm from the force of wind itself, like a roof losing shingles, siding ripped off, or a tree branch crashing through a window. It also covers damage from wind-driven debris, such as a fence panel hitting your house. The key is that wind is the direct cause of the destruction.

Insurance policies typically list wind as a named peril, meaning it's covered unless excluded. However, the exact scope varies by policy. For example, some policies cover wind damage to your home but not to detached structures like a shed, unless you added that coverage. Always read your policy declarations to understand what's included.

Wind damage policies usually exclude flooding caused by storm surge or rising water, even if the storm brought wind. That's a separate flood policy. Also, damage from gradual wear, like a weak roof that collapses in a mild breeze, isn't covered because it's a maintenance issue, not a sudden wind event.

Another exclusion is damage to trees or landscaping themselves. If a tree falls but doesn't hit your house, the cost to remove it might not be covered. You'd need to check your policy for debris removal limits. Knowing these exclusions helps you prepare and avoid surprises when you file a claim.

Your first step is to ensure safety, then make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, like covering a broken window with plywood. Keep all receipts for those materials, as they're often reimbursable. Next, contact your insurance company to start a claim, and ask about deadlines for filing.

A professional assessment can help you understand the full extent of damage. Local water damage pros can evaluate structural harm, check for hidden water intrusion, and prepare a thorough report. This documentation is valuable when you discuss your claim with your insurer. Act quickly to protect your home and your claim.