Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?
Florida averages 60 tornadoes every year, and they typically occur during the spring and summer months. With these storms causing such extensive damage, and so frequently for many months of the year, people often wonder if their homeowners insurance policy covers this type of damage. The good news is that in most cases, homeowners insurance in Florida does cover tornado damage. Still, different policies will provide different types of coverage, and there are other types of insurance you may want to purchase, as well. Below, our Daytona Beach tornado damage lawyer explains more.
Homeowners Insurance and Tornado Damage
The majority of homeowners insurance policies in Florida do provide coverage for tornado damage. Unlike earthquakes or floods, homeowners do not typically need to purchase special coverage for tornadoes. This is because tornadoes are usually classified as wind storms by insurance companies. Coverage for wind storms is fairly standard within the insurance industry.
A well-built homeowners insurance policy will provide coverage for tornado damage, but it can also provide coverage for other expenses, as well. For example, if you require temporary housing while repairs are being made to the home, your homeowners insurance policy may provide coverage for this expense, as well. It is important to speak with a Daytona Beach tornado damage lawyer who can review your policy and advise on the type of coverage you are eligible to receive.
Coverage for Personal Property is Important, Too
The best homeowners insurance policy will not only protect the structure of your home, but also your personal property within it. A tornado can cause an immense amount of damage. As a tornado rips through a home, it will destroy everything in its path. Some of the most important things to remember about coverage for personal property are as follows:
- It can protect against more than tornado damage: Coverage for personal property will protect against tornado damage, but that is not all it can do. It can also protect your personal property from events such as lightning and wildfires, and even theft and vandalism.
- Your pets may be protected: You may have to ask your insurance agent to include pet coverage, as they may not add it automatically. Including your pets can provide you with as much as $1,000 in coverage for expenses such as veterinary bills or funeral costs if your pet is injured during a tornado.
- RCV vs. ACV: It is important to check your insurance policy to determine if you have RCV or ACV coverage. ACV means ‘actual cash value’ and it will provide coverage equal to what the property is currently worth. RCV, on the other hand, means ‘replacement cost value’ and it provides coverage equal to the expense of replacing the property.
Was Your Home Damaged? Call Our Tornado Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach
If your home has been damaged by a tornado and your insurance company refuses to pay the full and fair coverage you are entitled to, our Daytona Beach tornado damage lawyer at Bundza & Rodriguez can help. Our seasoned attorneys know how to negotiate with insurers to obtain the fair coverage our clients deserve, and we will put that experience to work for you. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
brevard.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/tornado-safety-tips/index.html
climatecenter.fsu.edu/topics/tornadoes