If you are in the Barrie and Orillia area, you know how indescribable the wind was this past weekend. These powerful winds wreaked havoc on most of southern and central Ontario leaving many without power, and unfortunately causing significant damage to homes, buildings, and properties. As per Environment Canada, these wind gusts reached almost 120 km/h and sadly even claimed the lives of at least two people.
While nobody wants to be caught in a windstorm of this kind, the reality is that they happen and it’s important to be adequately prepared. When dangerous winds hit, the last thing that is likely on your mind is insurance, so as a homeowner you need to make sure your house and belongings are properly insured.
Check that you are covered for wind damage under your home insurance policy. In most cases, you can expect the following coverage:
- Damage to homes caused by hail, wind, snow or rain is typically covered. This can refer to any losses that are a result of flying debris or trees and tree branches.
- Losses to your property as a result of water/snow entering your home through sudden openings caused by wind are covered.
- Damage to vehicles from wind is also covered if your car insurance includes comprehensive. Due to the fact that this coverage is optional, always confirm you’re your insurance broker if you have this coverage.
- Destruction to mobile homes or trailers from wind may or may not be covered. All policies are worded differently which can sometimes cause confusion; if you are unsure, always check with your insurance broker for additional information.
- In some rare situations, homeowners who are forced to live elsewhere because their home has been affected with far too much insurable damage may receive additional living expenses.
Tips for Beginning the Claim Process
- Call your insurance broker. Many are available 24-hours and offer immediate claims service. Provide as much detail as you can when explaining the situation at hand.
- List all items that have been damaged. If able, do your best to put together proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Snap pictures of damaged areas and always keep damaged items, unless of course there are health concerns.
- Hang on to any receipts associated with cleanup and living expenses if you’ve made such purchases. Ask your insurance broker about what expenses you may be eligible for and for what period of time.
Hopefully none of us will have to experience a wind storm like the one that just passed, but now you have the tools should Mother Nature surprise us again.
Will Marshall Insurance has your back for all things insurance related. Please reach out to us to discuss your current policy or if you have questions in regards to wind storms and damage.
Call 705-726-2551 in Barrie or 705-326-5664 in Orillia.