Homeowners insurance in Arkansas may cover certain types of storm damage, depending on the terms of your policy. Storm-related damage from wind, hail, and tornadoes may be covered when those perils are included in the policy. However, coverage can vary based on exclusions, limits, and deductibles. Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage.
Understanding what your policy covers can help you know what to expect after a storm. Learn more about homeowners insurance coverage for wind, hail, tornado, roof, and other storm damage in Arkansas, as well as what to do after a storm.
What Storm Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Wind and Tornado Damage
Wind and tornadoes can cause significant damage to a home, including damage to the roof, siding, windows, doors, and other structures. Windstorm and tornado damage is typically covered by homeowners insurance when the policy covers these perils. However, exclusions, deductibles, coverage limits, and other policy terms can affect whether a particular loss is covered.
Hail Damage
Hail can damage roofs, siding, windows, and other parts of a home. Hail damage is typically covered under many homeowners insurance policies, but the specific coverage depends on the policy. Some policies may have special deductibles, limitations, or exclusions that apply to certain types of storm damage. Review your policy to understand how hail damage is handled.
Roof Damage
Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage caused by a sudden and covered event, such as certain wind or hail damage. However, insurance generally does not cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, deterioration, or lack of maintenance. The age and condition of the roof, the cause of the damage, and the terms of the policy can all affect coverage.
Fallen Trees
A storm can cause trees to fall onto a house, garage, fence, or other property. Depending on the circumstances and the terms of the policy, homeowners insurance may cover damage caused by a fallen tree. Some policies may also provide limited coverage for removing a fallen tree, particularly when it damages a covered structure. Tree-removal coverage can have specific conditions and limits.
Damage to Windows, Siding, and Other Parts of the Home
Homeowners insurance generally includes dwelling coverage for the home’s structure when damage is caused by a covered peril. This may include damage to windows, siding, doors, and other structural components following certain storms. Coverage for personal belongings may also apply when covered property is damaged by a covered event.
Coverage Depends on the Specific Policy and Deductible
Homeowners insurance policies can differ in the types of damage they cover, their exclusions, coverage limits, and deductibles. Some policies may have separate or special deductibles for certain perils, such as wind or hail.
A deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before your insurance coverage applies to a covered loss. Deductibles can be a fixed dollar amount or, in some policies, a percentage of the home’s insured value. Check your policy to understand which deductible applies to storm damage.
What Storm Damage Isn’t Covered?
Not all storm-related damage is covered by homeowners insurance. The cause of the damage and the specific terms of the policy determine whether a claim is covered.
Flooding
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage. Flooding can include water that rises or accumulates on normally dry land, such as water from heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, or other bodies of water. Separate flood insurance may be available to provide coverage for qualifying flood losses.
Flood damage should not be confused with other types of water damage. For example, depending on the policy, damage from a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance may be covered even though flood damage is not. The source and circumstances of the water are important when determining coverage.
Normal Wear and Tear or Poor Maintenance
Homeowners insurance generally is not intended to cover normal wear and tear, deterioration, or damage resulting from poor maintenance. For example, a roof that gradually deteriorates with age may not be covered simply because it later develops a leak. However, a sudden covered storm event may result in covered damage to a roof, depending on the policy.
Damage Caused by Excluded Circumstances
A policy can contain exclusions that prevent coverage for certain causes of damage. Coverage may also be limited by policy conditions, deductibles, or coverage limits. Because every policy is different, homeowners should review their policy or contact their insurance company or agent to determine whether a particular storm loss is covered.
What Should You Do After Storm Damage?
#1: Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of the damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Photograph the affected areas, damaged belongings, fallen trees, roof damage, and other visible problems. If possible, document the damage before moving or cleaning items.
#2: Prevent Further Damage
Take reasonable and safe steps to prevent additional damage. This may include covering broken windows or roof openings, moving undamaged belongings to a safe location, or taking other temporary measures. Do not put yourself at risk while inspecting or protecting the property.
#3: Review Your Policy and Deductible
Review your homeowners insurance policy to understand your coverage, exclusions, limits, and applicable deductible. Depending on the amount of damage and your deductible, you may decide whether to file a claim or pay for certain repairs yourself. Your insurer or agent can explain how your policy applies to the loss.
#4: Contact Your Insurance Company or Agent
Notify your insurance company or agent about the damage as soon as reasonably possible. Ask about the claims process, required documentation, deadlines, and whether an adjuster needs to inspect the property.
#5: Keep Receipts and Records
Keep receipts for reasonable emergency expenses, temporary repairs, supplies, and other costs related to protecting the property from additional damage. Your policy may provide coverage for certain expenses, subject to its terms and limits.
#6: Avoid Permanent Repairs Before the Insurer Has a Chance to Inspect, When Applicable
Make necessary temporary repairs to prevent additional damage, but avoid making permanent repairs or disposing of damaged property before the insurance company has had an opportunity to inspect the damage, when applicable. Keep damaged items and documentation when it is safe and practical to do so.
How to File a Storm Damage Claim in Arkansas
Report Damage Promptly
Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as reasonably possible after discovering storm damage. Provide photos, videos, receipts, and other documentation that can help support your claim.
Be Aware of Deadlines
Insurance policies can establish deadlines for reporting a loss or filing a claim. Check your policy for the applicable deadlines and contact your insurer promptly after the storm. Waiting too long may affect your claim.
Arkansas Insurance Department
The Arkansas Insurance Department can be a resource for Arkansas homeowners who have questions or concerns about insurance coverage or a claim. If you have a dispute with your insurance company, you can also review the department’s consumer assistance resources to learn about available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage in Arkansas?
Tornado damage is typically covered by homeowners insurance when the policy provides coverage for the damage caused by the tornado. Coverage can depend on the policy’s terms, exclusions, limits, and applicable deductible. Review your policy or contact your insurer to determine how your coverage applies.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Many homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by hail, including qualifying damage to a roof, siding, windows, and other covered property. However, coverage can vary by policy, and a special deductible or exclusion may apply. Check your policy for the specific terms that apply to hail damage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding From a Storm?
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage. This can include qualifying damage caused by rising or accumulating water from heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, or other sources of flooding. Separate flood insurance may provide coverage for qualifying flood losses, subject to its terms, exclusions, and limits.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage From a Storm?
Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage caused by a covered storm event, such as qualifying wind or hail damage. It generally does not cover normal wear and tear, deterioration, or damage caused by a lack of maintenance. The cause of the damage and the terms of the policy determine whether a roof claim is covered.
What Should I Do if My Home Is Damaged by a Storm?
Start by making sure everyone is safe. Then, document the damage with photos and videos, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, keep receipts for related expenses, and contact your insurance company or agent. Avoid permanent repairs when an insurer inspection is needed, unless immediate action is necessary to protect the property.