Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Storm Damage

Severe weather is a part of life in Indiana, and when storms strike, they can cause extensive damage to your home and property. Understanding what your homeowners insurance covers — and what it doesn’t — is crucial for protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery. At Pathway Legal Group, we help property owners across Indiana navigate storm-related insurance claims with confidence.

What Storm Damage is Typically Covered? Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover a wide range of storm-related damage, including:

• Wind Damage: Damage to roofs, siding, windows, and other structures from high winds.

• Hail Damage: Roof, window, and siding damage caused by hail impact.

• Fallen Trees: Damage to structures caused by fallen trees or large branches.

• Lightning Strikes: Fire or electrical damage resulting from lightning.

• Water Damage (Limited): Water damage caused by sudden breaches (like a roof blown off by wind), but not typically damage from flooding.

Common Exclusions in Homeowners Policies It's equally important to know what’s not covered by a standard policy:

• Flood Damage: Typically excluded; separate flood insurance is required through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier.

• Earth Movement: Earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes are usually excluded.

• Neglect: Damage caused by failure to maintain the property may not be covered.

• Pre-Existing Damage: Insurance companies often deny claims citing alleged pre-existing issues.

Key Coverage Elements to Understand

1. Deductibles

   • Standard deductibles apply to most claims, but some policies include higher "wind and hail" deductibles that are a percentage of the dwelling coverage.

2. Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost

   • Actual cash value (ACV) policies only pay the depreciated value of damaged items.

   • Replacement cost value (RCV) policies cover the full cost to repair or replace damaged property.

3. Policy Limits

   • Understand the maximum amounts your insurer will pay for different types of damages.

4. Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

   • If your home is uninhabitable due to storm damage, your policy may cover temporary housing, food, and other necessary expenses.

What to Do After Storm Damage

• Document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos.

• Mitigate further damage by making temporary repairs.

• Notify your insurance company promptly.

• Keep records of all expenses related to the storm.

Common Challenges with Storm Damage Claims

• Underpayment or lowball settlement offers

• Delays in claim processing

• Disputes over cause of damage (e.g., arguing it was "wear and tear" not storm-related)

How Pathway Legal Group Can Help At Pathway Legal Group, we have nearly a decade of experience defending insurance companies. We know how insurers evaluate, delay, and deny storm damage claims. Now, we use that knowledge to advocate fiercely for homeowners across all counties in Indiana.

If your home suffered storm damage, don’t face the insurance company alone. Call Pathway Legal Group today at (317) 588-7400 for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the path to recovery and ensure you receive the full protection your policy promises.