Hurricanes and windstorms cause extensive damage to homes and result in expensive repairs. While standard home insurance policies typically cover certain types of wind damage, the specifics can vary, especially in high-risk areas such as the Tri-Cities. This article will explain what hurricane and windstorm coverage usually includes, common things it does not, and how Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland homeowners can supplement their policies to ensure they have enough coverage.

1. Understanding Standard Windstorm Coverage

Most standard home insurance policies include coverage for wind damage, which likely covers the impact from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other strong wind events. Here in Washington, you know how much wind we can get and how strong it can be. However, there are nuances that you should know.

Key Coverage Details:

• Structural Damage: Typically includes repairs to roofs, windows, and walls damaged by that Tri-Cities hurricane, which is what we call them.
• Personal Property: Covers damage to personal items such as furniture, clothing, and electronics if wind or rain enters the home because it damage the roof or windows, etc.
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Pays for temporary housing if your home becomes unlivable for a period of time while repairs are taking place.

Important Note: Coverage for damage due to wind-driven rain may only apply if the home’s structure was damaged by wind, allowing rain to enter. It’s important to keep that in mind.

2. What Isn’t Covered in Standard Policies?

Standard policies may have exclusions or limitations, especially for homeowners in wind-prone areas.

Potential Exclusions:

• Flooding: Damage from flooding caused by storm surges is typically not covered under standard home insurance policies and requires separate flood insurance. This is important if living in Florida.
• Windstorm Deductibles: In wind-prone areas, some policies can include separate and higher deductibles specifically for wind damage.
• Cosmetic Damage: Some policies may exclude coverage for repairs that it says is just cosmetic, such as dings or scratches that do not affect the functionality or the structural integrity of the house.

Expert Tip: Check your policy to understand your specific windstorm and hurricane deductibles, as they can be significantly higher than your regular home insurance deductible. We recommend contacting Adam Hoover with Country Financial (https://advisors.countryfinancial.com/usa/wa/kennewick/adam-hoover). That is the person we do business with and ensure our home is property covered here in the Tri-Cities.

3. Supplemental Hurricane and Windstorm Insurance

For homeowners in regions frequently affected by hurricanes and severe storms, supplemental insurance or higher limits are necessary to make sure you have full protection.

Additional Coverage Options:

• Hurricane Insurance Rider: This add-on increases coverage specifically for hurricane damage and may give you a lower deductible compared to standard windstorm clauses.
• Windstorm Insurance: Separate windstorm policies are available in areas where wind damage is a frequent concern and may actually be required by some mortgage lenders.
• Flood Insurance: For homes near coastlines or rivers, a flood insurance policy should be considered to cover storm surges and other flood-related damage. We remembe the Yakima River floods sometimes and causes issues for homeowners along its bank.

Product Recommendation: Install storm shutters or invest in impact-resistant windows to minimize damage and potentially qualify for insurance premium discounts.

4. Cost Factors and Deductibles

The cost of hurricane and windstorm coverage varies based on several things.

Factors Influencing Premiums:

• Location: Coastal areas prone to hurricanes face higher premiums.
• Home Construction: The materials used to build your home, such as reinforced concrete versus wood, is going to result in lower premiums – typically.
• Deductible Amount: Many policies have a percentage-based deductible for wind and hurricane damage, which can range from 1% to 5% (or more) of the home’s value.

Example: If your home is insured for $300,000 and your windstorm deductible is 2%, you would need to cover $6,000 out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.

5. Filing a Claim for Windstorm Damage

The claims process can be smoother if you’re prepared and know what to expect.

Steps to File a Windstorm Claim:

1. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of all damaged areas as soon as it is safe to do so. Safety first – so do not enter the home unless you are sure it’s safe. Fill up your phone with pictures and videos and save it to your cloud drive.
2. Contact Your Insurer: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. There could be a long line if a lot of homes are affected by the event. Get in the queue early.
3. Secure Temporary Repairs: Make temporary fixes to prevent further damage (e.g., tarping a damaged roof), but keep receipts for reimbursement. You should include these in your claim.
4. Work with an Adjuster: Be prepared to meet with an insurance adjuster who will assess the damage and guide the claim process. We wrote a good article here regarding insurance adjusters: https://dryerfirefighters.com/the-role-of-an-insurance-adjuster-in-home-insurance-claims/

Safety Tip: Never attempt to inspect a damaged roof yourself. Hire a professional to avoid injury and ensure you have all the proper documentation when working with your insurance company. We endorse Ryan Brightman of Proper Home Inspections (https://properhomeinspections.com/) for this.

6. Preparation Tips for Hurricane and Windstorm Season

Being proactive can help minimize damage and make the insurance claims process easier. Here is another article we posted on this subject worth taking a look at: https://dryerfirefighters.com/protect-your-home-and-family-during-washington-storms/

Preparation Steps:

• Reinforce Your Roof: Ensure that your roof is properly secured and reinforced to withstand strong winds. Ryan Brightman at Proper Home Inspections (https://properhomeinspections.com/) will make sure you know whether your roof is ready for strong winds or not.
• Install Storm Shutters: These can protect windows from flying debris.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Move outdoor furniture and equipment inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles. This goes for your trampoline, too! Make sure it’s anchored down. If it flies into a neighbor’s house or window, you are liable!
• Create an Emergency Kit: Include essentials such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Here’s a great article we published on this: https://dryerfirefighters.com/how-to-prepare-a-comprehensive-disaster-survival-kit/

Product Recommendation: Consider using hurricane clips for added roof stability to help prevent structural damage.

Conclusion

Hurricane and windstorm coverage is a crucial part of home insurance for those living in storm-prone areas. We all know living in the Tri-Cities means high winds, especially during the spring and fall months. By understanding your current policy, supplementing with additional coverage where needed, and taking preventive steps, you can better protect your Kennewick, Richland, or Pasco home and your finances. We highly encourage you here at Dryer Fire Fighters that you review your policy annually (https://dryerfirefighters.com/reviewing-your-home-insurance-policy-annually-why-its-important-and-how-to-do-it/) and be proactive in preparing for hurricane and windstorm season.