Wind Damage Insurance Claims

Wind damage claims present unique challenges because wind damage can be difficult to distinguish from wear and tear, and insurance companies exploit that ambiguity. A roof that loses shingles in a storm may have been perfectly functional before the event, but the carrier may argue the shingles were old, worn, and "ready to go."

What Wind Damage Looks Like

• Missing or lifted shingles and tiles
• Damaged or detached ridge caps
• Torn or displaced flashing
• Broken or cracked siding
• Damaged soffit and fascia
• Fallen trees and branches impacting structures
• Blown-off gutters and downspouts
• Broken windows from wind-driven debris

Wind vs. Wear and Tear

The most common dispute in wind damage claims is whether the damage was caused by wind (covered) or pre-existing wear and tear (excluded). Carriers frequently use the age of the roof to argue that any damage is wear-related, even when a documented windstorm clearly caused the failure.

The key is causation: did the wind cause the damage? If a 15-year-old roof was functioning perfectly before the storm and is now missing shingles, the wind caused the damage. The age of the roof is relevant to depreciation, not to causation.

Documenting Wind Damage

1. Photograph all visible damage immediately after the storm
2. Check weather records for official wind speed reports in your area
3. Note damage to neighboring properties as corroborating evidence
4. Get a professional inspection from a licensed roofing contractor
5. Document any interior water damage that resulted from the wind damage
6. Check Coverage B structures: fences, sheds, detached garages