Insurance Loss – Hidden Damages From High Winds
Winter and spring storms can and will often include tornadic activity in many southern states. As part of a recent news interview an insurance company adjuster admits and confirms that many insurance loss damages from tornadoes are often missed and overlooked. Policyholders need to become educated of the various damages to look for and how to detect subtle damages that become very costly down the road. The types of damages that can show up months or years after the high winds and tornado activity is long gone.
Many Huntsville, AL neighborhoods were affected by an EF-2 tornado on Thursday Jan, 28th 2010. Most of the damage created by tornadoes and high winds are pretty hard to miss, but even insurance adjusters can miss storm damages, if they fail to look closely.
A thorough insurance loss inspection by a insurance claim consultant or independent insurance appraiser is suggested. Too many policyholders take their adjusters word for it, without getting a second opinion. This should almost never happen. Protect yourself and your home by educating yourself on these few wind damage inspection tips.
Plumbing: High winds can shake or rack your home or building. Policyholders should turn on all faucets in bathrooms and kitchens, then open all cabinets after a few minutes to check the plumbing lines for leaks. Flush all toilets and run all baths and showers as well. Look at the ceilings below for water stains.
Roofing/Siding: An insurance loss caused by high winds often does not appear to damage the roof at first glance. However, a thorough inspection can reveal cracks, gouges or tears to the shingles from flying debris. Such high winds can also tear, rip, gouge, and crack many types of siding, including brick. Such affects on siding and roofing can allow water entry later on down he road.
Windows & Gutters: Wind and flying debris can damage window glass, rip screens, affect shutters, and detach or dent gutters.
Brick & Foundations: Check masonry for cracks and separation. An insurance loss by tornado or wind can also cause shifting and uplift to foundations. Check the perimeter of all crawlspaces. Severe masonry damages can be hidden.
Interior: High wind loads associated with a storm can produce stress cracks in the corners of ceilings and walls. Stress cracking is often noted above doors and window openings as well. It is a good idea to inspect for the settling of floors and the shifting of walls by using a contractor’s level. Over the following weeks and months we also recommended to keep your eyes open for water stains and yellowing to walls and ceilings. Such staining indicates roof or siding leaking issues.
In fact, insurance companies and the engineers they use have even been sued for failing to recognize and consider such damages for insurance loss claims following high winds and tornadoes. CNN reported “State Farm Penalized in Suit Over Tornado Claims :”
State Farm acted “recklessly” and “with malice” in handling insurance claims from dozens of families whose homes were damaged when a wave of tornadoes, including the strongest in recorded history, swept through Oklahoma in 1999, a jury has decided. The verdict…delivered millions to the lead plaintiffs… The jury in the District Court of Grady County, Oklahoma, awarded Donald and Bridget Watkins almost $13 million in total damages for their part in the class action suit against the nation’s largest insurer….
As we are all well aware, an insurance loss involving a tornado – results in very strong winds. Even tornadoes that do not actually “touch-down” can cause significant pressure on buildings. Such winds will push and pull on the structures causing fasteners and building parts to become compromised.
Above all, as stated, call an insurance loss consultant or independent insurance appraiser to inspect your property and be sure your home is safe. Feel free to call Insurance Claims Group, Inc. at 919-669-9111 to have all your insurance loss questions answered.
(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Get Insurance Loss Help , by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com or http://www.fireinsuranceclaims.net
