Strong, gusty winds can do some serious damage to your property — and especially to your roof, which could end up with missing shingles or damage caused by falling trees or debris. The good news is most home insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by windstorms. Learn more about how this coverage works and find out what you should do if you notice your roof has sustained wind damage.

Windstorms can do some serious damage to your property — and especially to your roof. The good news is most home insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by wind.

Will your insurance company pay to replace your roof if it's damaged in a windstorm?

If part of your roof is damaged by wind, your insureropens a pop-up with definition of insurer will generally try to repair the damage rather than replace your whole roof. They'll first try to find shingles that match your roof and replace the shingles that have been lost or damaged. If they can't find shingles that match, then they will likely replace the entire damaged side of your roof. Depending on the terms outlined in your policy and the extent of the damage done, your insurer may replace your entire roof if they determine that's necessary.

Ask your broker about replacement cost coverage for roof damage

While most home insurance policies are written on a replacement costopens a pop-up with definition of replacement cost basis (meaning your claim payout would be enough to replace a damaged item with one of like kind and quality), some policies are written on an actual cash valueopens a pop-up with definition of actual cash value basis (meaning your payout would be equal to a damaged item's current worth, considering depreciationopens a pop-up with definition of depreciation). When it comes to paying for damage to you roof, replacement cost coverage is ideal, as it doesn't take into account the age of your roof like actual cash value coverage would. A replacement cost claim payout would be enough to replace the damaged shingles, regardless of the age of your roof.

Read more about the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value, then ask your home insurance broker if replacement cost coverage is available in your location and if you qualify. If it's available to you, your broker can set it up for you.

When it comes to paying for damage to your roof caused by wind, replacement cost coverage is ideal, as the payout would be enough to replace the damaged shingles regardless of the age of your roof.

What should you do if your roof has been damaged in a windstorm?

If your roof has been damaged by wind and you need to make a home insurance claimopens a pop-up with definition of claim, call your broker or your insurance company's claims service line. Be prepared to provide some important details about the damage to help make sure your claim goes as smoothly as possible. Taking pictures of the damage (if you can do so safely) can also help with the claims process.

To find out how your own home insurance coverage would apply if your roof is ever damaged by wind, contact your home insurance broker. Your broker can help you review your policy and make sure you have the best possible coverage to protect you in the event of a windstorm.

While it might be difficult to avoid damage to your roof specifically, there are several things you can do before, during, and after a windstorm to keep your family safe and avoid damage to your home and vehicle.

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