Phone answered 24/7 · DeSoto, TX and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (469) 209-4452
Ten Mile Creek Dry-Out ProsWater Damage Help · DeSoto, TX

What Kind of Storm Damage Is Covered by Insurance?

Last updated October 19, 2026

Call Now (469) 209-4452

The short answer

Wind and Hail Damage to Your Home

High winds can rip off shingles, siding, or gutters, allowing water inside. Hail can dent metal, crack windows, and severely degrade your roof. This type of direct, sudden damage is usually a covered peril under a standard homeowners policy. You should document all visible damage with photos before making any temporary repairs to protect your property from further harm.

In humid climates, hailstorms and heavy rains can make this kind of damage more common. After a storm, check your attic for leaks and your yard for debris. Even small openings can lead to significant water intrusion over time, so a thorough inspection is crucial. Contact your insurance company to report the damage and discuss the next steps.

Water Damage from a Storm

Water damage is covered if it results directly from a covered storm event. For example, if wind breaks a window and rain soaks your floor, that is typically covered. Similarly, if a hail-damaged roof allows water to seep into your ceilings, that damage usually falls under your policy. The key is the direct link between the storm and the water entry point.

Damage from a lack of maintenance, like a long-term roof leak, is generally not covered. Flooding from ground water, storm surge, or an overflowing body of water requires a separate flood insurance policy. It is important to understand this distinction. Taking quick action to stop water flow and dry the area can help prevent secondary issues like mold growth.

Damage from Falling Trees and Debris

If a tree or large limb falls on your house, garage, or fence due to wind, the damage to the structure is typically covered. Your policy will often pay to remove the tree from the building and repair the damage. The coverage usually applies regardless of who owned the tree, as long as the cause was a covered peril like a storm.

  • Damage to your home, garage, or shed from a fallen tree.
  • Cost to remove the tree from the structure.
  • Repairs to the roof, siding, or windows it damaged.
  • Temporary repairs like tarping to prevent more water entry.
  • Possible limited coverage for debris clearing from your yard.
  • No coverage for removing a healthy tree that simply fell.

Common Exclusions in Storm Coverage

Standard policies exclude damage from flooding, including water that rises from the ground or enters through basement walls. Earth movement, like a landslide caused by saturated ground, is also not covered. Wear and tear or deterioration from age is excluded, as is damage you could have prevented with proper maintenance. Understanding these exclusions helps set realistic expectations for a claim.

Power outages from a storm are not a direct cause of damage. However, if the outage causes a sump pump to fail and your basement floods, that is often excluded as flood damage. Food spoilage from a prolonged outage may have a small limit of coverage. It is wise to check your policy for these specific scenarios and consider additional riders if needed.

Steps to Take After Storm Damage

Your first priority is safety. Avoid downed wires, stay out of structurally unsafe rooms, and shut off utilities if necessary. Then, document everything with photos and videos before cleaning up or making temporary repairs. This evidence is critical for your insurance claim. Contact your insurer promptly to report the loss and ask about your deductible and the claims process.

Mitigate further damage by covering holes with tarps and moving valuables to a dry area. Be cautious about electrical systems in wet areas. For water damage, local water damage pros can provide drying services to prevent mold. Keep receipts for any materials you buy for temporary repairs, as these costs may be reimbursable. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

  • Ensure everyone's safety and avoid electrical hazards.
  • Take extensive photos and videos of all damage.
  • Make temporary, reasonable repairs to prevent more damage.
  • Contact your insurance company to start your claim.
  • Keep a detailed log of all conversations and receipts.
  • Hire qualified pros for repairs, like a roofer or water damage pro.

Need help right now?

Call (469) 209-4452 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.

Call Now (469) 209-4452

Frequently asked questions

Does insurance cover mold from a storm leak?

Mold remediation may be covered if the mold results from a covered water loss, like a storm-damaged roof. If the water came from flooding or long-term neglect, it likely is not covered. Your insurer will determine the cause. It is important to address water quickly to limit mold growth.

What if my neighbor's tree damages my house?

Your own homeowners insurance policy typically covers the damage to your property. The incident is generally considered an act of nature. Your insurer may seek reimbursement from your neighbor's insurer only if your neighbor was negligent, such as ignoring a known dead tree. You should contact your own insurance company to start the claims process.

How long do I have to file a storm damage claim?

Most policies require you to report damage promptly, often within one year of the storm date. However, you should file as soon as possible. Delays can complicate the investigation and may give the insurer reason to deny the claim. Check your policy for the specific notification period.

Call Now (469) 209-4452