The type of home damage you can file a claim for will depend on the nature of your loss and what state, country, or province you reside in. Many types of damages are eligible for compensation, so keep in mind your state’s policy before filing a claim. This blog post discusses the following types of home damage you can file a claim for.
Wind and Hail Damage
Homeowners in certain areas may be able to collect damages if their property is damaged by strong wind and hail. This type of damage is covered in Section III-A of the standard policy form, which means that you must have an insurance policy for this coverage to apply. Your policy must also have an endorsement to include wind and hail damage. However, if you purchased your policy through an agent or broker, they may have placed this coverage on your policy per your request.
When filing a claim for wind or hail damage, you can seek the help of public adjusters to document the storm that caused the damage to your home. You can do this by providing details about the storm’s location and effect on the area around your home and how long it lasted.
Fire and Lightning Damage
The standard policy form covers fire damage in Section III-A, which means you must have an insurance policy for this coverage to apply. Your policy must also have an endorsement to include fire and lightning damage. However, if you purchased your policy through an agent or broker, they may have placed this coverage on your policy per your request.
Identifying the source of a fire can help you file a claim for fire damage because it shows that the cause of the fire wasn’t accidental. For example, if your home catches fire because of a lightning strike, you may qualify for compensation to repair or replace your home. However, if your home burns because of faulty electrical wiring, you will not be able to collect any compensation for the damage.
Water Damage
Some homeowners may be able to replace their homes if their water systems or appliances are damaged by water from a storm. The standard policy form, Section III-A, covers damage caused by water, and the policy must have an endorsement to include this coverage. However, if you purchased your policy through an agent or broker, they may have placed this coverage on your policy per your request.
Break-ins and Theft
If your home is broken into or items are stolen from you, the policy may provide compensation for your property. This type of coverage is covered by Section III-A, which means you must have an insurance policy for this coverage to apply. Your policy must also have an endorsement to include break-ins and theft. However, if you purchased your policy through an agent or broker, they may have placed this coverage on your policy per your request.
When filing a claim for home damage, it is important to know the type of coverage your policy provides. Your insurance agent or broker should help you understand what types of damages you are covered for and provide you with more information about filing a claim.
