Does Your Home Insurance Policy Cover Wind Damage?

In the UAE, where natural elements can sometimes be unpredictable, having a comprehensive home insurance policy is essential for protection against potential damages. It provides financial protection and peace of mind — you can relax knowing that your home and belongings are covered in case of unforeseen events.

One of the significant aspects homeowners need to consider is home insurance cover for storm or wind damage.

In this article, we will focus on home insurance policy wind damage. We will explore what wind or storm damage includes, how it is covered by house insurance, and the steps you need to take to protect your home.

What is Wind Damage?

Wind or storm damage refers to the destruction or harm caused to a property by strong winds, storms, or related weather events.

In home insurance, wind damage can encompass various forms of destruction -

• Damage to the roof
• Windows
• Exterior walls
• Interior contents due to wind-driven rain and more

The severity of wind damage can vary, from minor repairs to significant structural repairs.

Important: In the UAE, wind damage can also include damage caused by sandstorms.

Sandstorms are common in the region and may cause significant damage to the exterior surfaces of homes, including windows, doors, and even Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Additionally, strong winds during these storms can lead to structural damage similar to that caused by traditional windstorms.

Does Home Insurance Cover Wind or Storm Damage?

Generally, home insurance policies outside the UAE don’t include wind damage coverage as a standard feature. However, in the UAE, wind damage coverage is often in-built into home insurance policies. This house insurance cover in wind damage provides comprehensive protection against various natural calamities, including storms and sandstorms.

Usually, a home insurance policy for wind damage covers the repair and replacement costs for damaged parts of the home like roofs, windows, and (sometimes) even the contents inside the home.

Types of Wind Damage Covered

Here’s what you can generally get under home insurance coverage for wind damage -

• Roof Damage: High winds can lift and remove shingles, tiles, or even entire sections of the roof
• Broken Windows: Flying debris and pressure changes can break windows, which leads to additional interior damage from rain
• Exterior Walls: Siding and exterior walls can suffer from cracks, dents, and even complete failure under strong winds
• Interior Damage: Wind-driven rain can enter through damaged roofs or windows — this can cause water damage to the interior of the home

Exclusions of Wind Damage Coverage

The key exclusions of  wind damage coverage in home insurance are as follows -

1. Poor Maintenance: Damage resulting from lack of maintenance or pre-existing conditions may not be covered
2. High-Risk Areas: Specific exclusions may apply to homes in areas prone to frequent windstorms
3. Limits on Payouts: There may be limits on the amount payable for certain types of damage or some deductibles may apply

How Does Wind Damage Coverage Work in Shared Buildings?

When it comes to buildings with shared portions in the UAE such as residential societies, condos, or multi-owner buildings, the wind damage coverage is managed through a strata insurance policy held by the building's management or the owners' association. This policy covers common areas and the structural aspects of the building, including shared facilities like roofs, hallways, and exterior walls.

Specifics of Wind Damage Coverage in Shared Buildings

• Strata Insurance Policy: In a shared building setup, the strata insurance policy usually covers the structural components and shared portions of the building. Simply put, any wind damage to the common areas, such as the roof, exterior walls, and shared facilities, is covered by this policy. 

You should check with your building management to understand the specifics of what is covered under the master policy.

• Individual Unit Coverage: Individual homeowners or tenants are responsible for insuring their own units' contents and any improvements or betterments they have made. Personal home insurance policies having contents cover should be purchased to cover these aspects, including personal belongings, interior fixtures, and any modifications made to the unit.

Inclusions of Wind Damage in Strata Home Insurance Policy

1. Structural Damage: Repairs to the building's structure, including roofs, exterior walls, and shared facilities damaged by wind
2. Common Areas: Coverage for damages to hallways, lobbies, and other shared spaces within the building
3. Exterior Fixtures: Replacement or repair of exterior fixtures such as windows and doors affected by wind damage

How to File a Claim for Wind Damage in Home Insurance Policy?

Filing a claim for a home insurance policy wind damage involves several steps.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to proceed -

1- Document the Damage

• Take Photos and Videos: Capture clear and detailed photographs or videos of the damaged areas and items — this visual evidence is crucial for your claim.
• Create a Detailed List: List all the damaged or destroyed belongings, including their approximate value. This helps in the accurate assessment of your losses.

2- Mitigate Further Damage

Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. For instance, cover a damaged roof with a tarp to prevent water from entering the home. This is often required by insurance policies.

3- Get Repair Estimates

Obtain repair estimates from licensed contractors. Multiple quotes can help you get a fair assessment of the damage and provide necessary documentation for your claim.

4- Notify Your Insurance Company

• Contact Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company about the damage as soon as possible. They will guide you on the specific documents and information required.
• Submit a Claim Form: Fill out the claim form provided by your insurer with accurate details about the incident and the damage. Include all supporting documents like receipts, invoices, and proof of ownership.

5- Claim Investigation

• Insurance Adjuster Visit: Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage. Cooperate with them and provide any additional information or documentation that they request.
• Assessment and Evaluation: The adjuster might hire appraisers or contractors to evaluate the extent of the damage

6- Follow Up

Maintain communication with your insurance company throughout the process. Keep records of all interactions, including names, dates, and summaries of discussions.

7- Review the Settlement

• Check the Settlement Offer: Once your claim is processed, carefully review the settlement offer from your insurance company. Make sure it covers all necessary repairs and replacements.
• Seek Clarification: If you have any questions or concerns about the settlement, feel free to seek clarification from your insurer.

Tips to Protect Your Home from Wind Damage

You can protect your home from wind damage by following the given steps -

• Step:1 Make sure that your roof is in good condition and securely fastened. Regularly inspect and repair any loose or missing shingles to prevent wind from lifting them off during a storm.
• Step:2 Install storm shutters or use plywood to cover windows. Reinforce doors with heavy-duty deadbolts and use braces to prevent them from blowing open during high winds.
• Step:3 Regularly trim trees and remove dead branches near your home. Clear your yard of loose items and debris that could become projectiles in strong winds.
• Step:4 Anchor outdoor furniture, grills, and other objects to the ground or bring them indoors. This prevents them from being picked up and causing damage during a windstorm.
• Step:5 Consider installing wind-resistant features like impact-resistant windows and reinforced garage doors. These steps can significantly reduce the risk of damage from high winds.

Be Prepared, Stay Protected!

Wind damage is an inbuilt coverage in comprehensive home insurance policies in the UAE. It provides full coverage against various natural calamities, including storms and sandstorms.

Generally, inclusions for home insurance policy wind damage include roof repairs, window replacements, exterior wall damage, and interior content protection. However, it's always better to review your policy or consult an insurance expert with Policybazaar.ae before purchasing a home insurance policy.