In this article, we’ll explore the types of damage often seen to property following a windstorm, what you should do if your church has been damaged by wind, whether you should file a claim with your insurance company, and the steps you should take if your claim is denied.
Types Of Wind Damage That Can Impact A Church Structure
There are a number of different types of damage that a church can sustain during a windstorm. The type and extent of the damage will largely depend on how severe the windstorm was. The most common types of damage seen to properties as a result of a windstorm include:
- Damage to roofs, including roofs blowing off, getting punctured, or damage to shingles
- Fallen trees on the property
- Blown-down fences
- Damage to areas with glass such as windows and doors
- Water leaks
- Fallen electricity poles
- Damaged power lines
- Damage to landscape
- Damage to asphalt and other hard surfaces
- Damage to siding, including holes and cracks
- External and internal water damage
The damage your church experiences as a result of a windstorm will also depend on where your property is located geographically and the structure and layout of the church. The materials used to build your structure will also play a role in how much and what kind of damage occurs. For example, if your church is an older building with a less-than-stable foundation, it may experience much greater damage compared to a more recently built structure with a solid foundation.
Types Of Winds In A Windstorm
There are several different types of winds that can come as a result of a windstorm, and the type of wind can also have an effect on the extent of the damage your property experiences. Common types of wind include:
- Straight-line winds: This type of wind includes all winds that do not rotate.
- Microbursts: A microburst is a type of wind that is highly concentrated and a downburst and can travel at more than 168 mph. Microbursts can be either wet or dry winds.
- Derechos: A derecho is a widespread windstorm that features a large band of thunderstorms or rainstorms.
- Downbursts: A downburst is a dangerous type of wind that can be as detrimental as a tornado. They are most commonly seen alongside thunderstorms.
- Gust fronts: A gust front is a type of wind that happens when cold air meets warm air during a thunderstorm.
- Downdrafts: This type of win is a small column of air that quickly sinks down toward the surface.
- Bow echos: A bow echo is a wind that features an archer’s bow-like shape and can result in severe tornadoes or straight-line winds.
- Haboobs: A haboob is a type of wind that creates a wall of dust that gets shuffled along the ground during thunderstorm downdrafts.
What To Do If Your Church Is Damaged By A Windstorm
If your church has been damaged during a windstorm, there are several steps you should take immediately following the storm and as soon as it is safe to visit your property. These steps will support you when filing a claim and seeking compensation from your insurance and include:
Take Photographs
The first thing you should do immediately following damage to your church and surrounding property is to take pictures. You can use your phone, a camera, or other device that will allow you to save and store photos. This should be done before you begin the clean-up and repair process so that you can document the full extent of the damage sustained. Take photos of the exterior and interior of your church, including the siding, roof, doors, and windows; the property’s landscape; any damage to the parking lot or other paved areas, and any areas inside your church that sustained damage, such as water leaks and flooring. Keep in mind which items will need to be replaced or repaired and ensure you have sufficient photography of these areas. You can also take videos if you feel photos do not fully capture the damage.
Keep All Documentation
After taking photos, sit down and create a detailed list of everything that will need to be repaired or replaced as a result of the windstorm. Include the estimated value of each thing, detailed descriptions, the year and make of items, and model numbers if available. You should also include the estimated cost of replacement or repair if possible.
Make Note Of All Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
You will likely want to begin cleaning up your church following a windstorm. This is fine; however, be sure to keep track of all out-of-pocket expenses you pay to clean up and make repairs. For example, if you hire a cleaning company to come in and clean the interior of your church and remove excess water, keep a copy of the receipt that shows the total cost of the service. Some insurance companies will reimburse you for these expenses if you can show sufficient documentation.
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Should You File A Claim With Your Property Insurance Company?
Before filing a claim with your property insurance company that offers coverage for your church, it’s always advisable to speak with an experienced property damage attorney such as those at Florin|Roebig. The lawyer you work with should be able to provide you with helpful information related to your options and help you determine if filing a claim with your property insurance is the best option for you. If your lawyer does recommend you submit a claim with your property insurance, you should do so as soon as possible following the windstorm. You should be able to find the claims number on your insurance’s website.
After filing a claim with your property insurance, the company will likely connect you with a claims representative who will reach out to you within 48 to 72 hours of the claim being submitted. The representative will visit your church property to conduct an investigation and fully assess the damage that your property sustained during the windstorm. They will also ask you questions and take the copies of your documentation and photos and/or videos of the damage. After the investigation is complete, the claims representative will submit their findings to your insurance company. Your insurance company will then contact you as to whether they will provide coverage for the damage and, if so, the settlement amount they are willing to offer you.
Will Your Property Insurance Cover Damage Caused By A Windstorm?
There are several factors that go into determining whether your property insurance will cover the damage your church experienced as a result of a windstorm. The primary factors that affect this include the area you live in, the type of policy you hold with the company, and whether your policy specifically provides coverage for wind-storm damage. Some states, like Florida, require insurance companies to provide coverage for windstorms, especially if the property is residential.
What To Do If Your Storm Damage Claim Is Denied By Your Insurance
If your insurance company offers you a settlement that you feel is less than fair or denies coverage for the damage entirely, you should immediately contact your property damage attorney so they can begin the dispute process. Insurance companies often go to great lengths to reduce how much they payout in terms of claims, even if it’s at the expense of their own customers. While this certainly benefits the insurance company and improves their bottom line, it can leave people like you without the compensation they need to repair or replace property that’s been damaged in natural disasters like windstorms. Common reasons that an insurance company may deny you coverage for your property damage include insufficient evidence of the damage sustained, exclusions in your coverage, not paying your insurance premiums on time, and filing your claim after the allotted time period has passed.
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How Florin|Roebig Can Help
If you feel that your insurance company has unfairly denied your claim, reach out to the dedicated attorneys at Florin|Roebig today. We’d be happy to go to bat for you with your insurance company and won’t stop until you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
