The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch on Tuesday, July 22, for all Five Boroughs, plus Nassau County and parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado watch means “tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area” and advises those in the affected area to “be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.”
While some tornado damage is minor, like broken windows or snapped tree branches, a Category F5 tornado can have wind speeds over 300 mph and tear a home right off its foundation.
A tornado can wreak havoc on a home, and one way to be ready is by having adequate insurance coverage. A homeowners insurance policy can help cover the cost of repairs and replace items damaged in the storm, but not all wind damage is treated equally, and there are some caveats to what a policy will and won’t cover.
How homeowners insurance covers tornado damage
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for wind-related damage, like tornadoes. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually covered.
Dwelling coverage. This part of the policy helps cover damage to a home’s actual structure. So, whether a tornado rips off a few shingles or levels the entire house, dwelling coverage can pay for repairs or a rebuild (up to policy limits).
Other structures coverage. This covers repairs or replacement if a tornado damages structures on a property that aren’t attached to the home, like fences, detached garages, or sheds. Most policies cover up to 10% of your total dwelling coverage. So, if your dwelling limit is $500,000, your other structures coverage may cover up to $50,000.
Personal property coverage. This helps pay to replace belongings, like furniture, electronics, or clothes, if they’re damaged by wind. This coverage is usually between 50% and 70% of your home’s dwelling limit, but you can typically increase it if you need more. Just keep in mind that some items, like jewelry or furs, may have lower payout limits (called sublimits). For example, jewelry may only be covered up to $2,500 unless you add extra insurance.
Loss of use coverage. In some cases, a home may become unlivable due to storm damage. This coverage can pay for temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays, meals, or transportation. Most policies have coverage limits between 10% and 30% of your dwelling coverage for these costs.
Learn more: Homeowners insurance: What it covers and how much you’ll pay
What isn’t covered by tornado insurance?
Even if your home insurance policy covers tornado damage, there are still a few common things that policies usually don’t cover. Here are some typical exclusions.
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Flooding. If the storm led to rising water or a storm surge, a standard policy probably won’t cover the damage, but there’s a separate flood insurance for that.
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Earth movement. Damage from shifting soil, sinkholes, or earthquakes is usually excluded. For this type of coverage, separate earthquake insurance is necessary.
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Wear and tear. Insurance doesn’t cover damage that happens gradually over time due to lack of maintenance. So, if a roof wasn’t properly maintained, any damage to it probably won’t be covered.
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Mold. Mold that forms due to long-term moisture issues or delayed cleanup is typically not covered. Some policies offer limited mold coverage, so extra protection like a mold rider might be necessary.
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Pests. Damage caused by pests, like rodents, termites, or insects, isn’t covered, even if they move in while repairs are made.
Learn more: What does homeowners insurance not cover?
How to file a homeowners insurance claim for tornado damage
Here’s how to file a home insurance claim if a home is hit by a tornado:
Contact the insurance company right away
Many insurance companies allow a claim to be filed by phone, online, or through an app. If you have questions along the way, an insurance agent or a company representative can help with the process and help clarify any aspects of a policy or claim.
Take photos and document the damage
Create a list of everything that was damaged, and take photos or videos of both the inside and outside of the home. Hold on to any receipts for things paid for because of the damage and include those when filing a claim.
Make temporary repairs
Make quick fixes to prevent further damage, like covering broken windows or patching leaks. Some repairs may be simple, while others might require help from a restoration company. The insurance company may offer referrals, but it’s possible to hire a vendor not associated with the insurance company.
Prepare for the adjuster’s visit
The insurance company will send an adjuster to estimate the cost of repairs. If possible, don’t throw away any damaged items until they’ve been inspected. Be ready to share a list of damaged belongings, along with any receipts. Having a home inventory can help speed up this part of the process.
Relocate if the home is unsafe
Sometimes, tornado damage can make a home unsafe or unlivable until repairs are done, and temporary housing is necessary. The insurer may help cover some of those costs, like hotel stays, meals, and other essentials, so be sure to save all receipts for reimbursement.
Be an advocate
From start to finish, filing a claim can feel confusing and stressful, especially if the home has a lot of damage. Don’t hesitate to call the insurance company to ask questions.
Learn more: How to file a homeowners insurance claim
How deductibles work for tornado insurance claims
A home insurance deductible is the amount a person is responsible for paying out of pocket before the insurance begins covering any repair or replacement costs.
Depending on the policy, a separate deductible specifically for wind damage may be necessary. For example, tornado-prone areas, like states in Tornado Alley (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, or Missouri), may need a windstorm or named-storm deductible.
Unlike a standard deductible, usually a flat amount between $100 and $5,000, a tornado insurance deductible is based on a percentage of the home’s insured value, typically ranging from 1% to 10%. That means if a tornado damages the home, out-of-pocket costs could be significant.
When is a public adjuster required?
If a tornado causes major damage to a home or the insurance company isn’t offering a fair payout, consider hiring a public adjuster.
Unlike the adjuster who works on behalf of the insurer, a public adjuster works for the homeowner. Because they’re insurance experts, public adjusters can help review and assess the damage, manage the paperwork, and negotiate with the insurer to increase a settlement. Also, if the claim feels overwhelming or simply too much to manage, especially when it comes to significant damage, they can step in to handle some of the details.
Consider hiring a public adjuster if:
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The home has significant damage or needs to be rebuilt
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The claim was denied
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There’s no the time or expertise to handle the claims process alone
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The insurance company isn’t agreeing on the value of the damage
Public adjusters don’t work for free. They usually charge a percentage of the settlement, ranging from 5% to 40%. That’s why weighing the cost against the potential benefit is important. If the damage is small or the claim is simple, hiring an adjust may not be necessary.
Tips to prepare a home for a tornado
Tornadoes are unpredictable and can strike without warning. While a top priority should always be safety, there are a few things to do before a storm hits to help protect a home from damage.
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Prune and trim trees. Cut back large branches and remove any dead limbs, especially those hanging near a roof. Brittle or overgrown trees can fall in high winds, causing major damage.
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Secure outdoor items. Wind can turn anything (i.e., rocks, patio furniture, even a child’s toy) into flying debris. For this reason, tie down or bring inside anything that could blow away, including furniture and yard equipment.
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Strengthen vulnerable areas around the home. High winds can bust through garage doors, shatter windows, and even wreck your AC unit. Consider adding storm shutters or reinforcing the garage door for added protection.
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Inspect gutters. Check that they’re tightly attached and draining correctly. Upgrading to steel can help them better withstand hail and severe storms.
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Take care of your roof. Old, lifted, or damaged shingles can lift up in a storm and let water in. If the roof is ready for a replacement, consider using impact-resistant shingles and making sure they’re installed correctly to handle strong weather.
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Review insurance coverage. Before storm season hits, check the policy to confirm it includes wind damage. Make sure policy limits are high enough to cover the cost of rebuilding a home and replacing belongings.
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Create a home inventory. Take photos of all belongings (e.g., clothes, furniture, linens, and antiques), write down what they are worth, and keep receipts if available. Having a detailed list can streamline the claim-filing process and help ensure adequate reimbursement.
Read more: Canadian wildfires are causing smoke exposure. How to protect your home and car.
Tornado insurance FAQs
What type of home insurance covers tornado damage?
Tornado damage to a home and personal belongings is usually covered under a home insurance policy. However, if the home is in a high-risk area, extra coverage or a separate wind policy may be necessary. Reach out to an insurance agent to make sure coverage is adequate.
Does renters insurance cover tornado damage?
Generally speaking, tornado damage is considered a type of wind damage and most renters insurance policies cover that. So, if a tornado damages or destroys personal belongings, like furniture or clothes, the policy will typically help pay to repair or replace them. Depending on the policy, it may also cover loss of use expenses, like hotel stays or meals, if you the home isn’t livable while it’s being repaired.
Does car insurance cover tornado damage?
Yes, if the policy includes comprehensive coverage. This type of coverage protects a car from unexpected damage caused by events outside anyone’s control, like tornadoes, strong winds, hail, flooding, and lightning. So, if a tornado damages your vehicle, comprehensive coverage will typically help pay for the repairs after the deductible is paid up to your policy limits.