Tornado Damage Claims

The Insurance Information Institute estimates that convective storms are the most damaging natural disasters in the United States. Approximately 1,000 tornadoes touch down every year across the country, with rotating winds that can reach speeds of more than 300 miles per hour. Each tornado creates damage that can stretch up to 50 miles long. 

Any home or business located in a tornado-prone area should ensure that their insurance policies cover damage that might occur due to a tornado.  

Essential Guide for Property Owners to Mitigate and Manage Tornado Damage 

It is the responsibility of every property owner to build and maintain property that can withstand common weather events, including tornadoes. While major storms can still cause damage, taking the right steps before a storm can help to mitigate the damage and aid in a speedy recovery.  

Identifying and Understanding Risks Associated with Tornadoes  

Tornadoes can pose several different risks to property, most of which stem from extreme wind. Some of the most common types of tornado property damage include:  

• Damage to roofs from high-speed winds 
• Damage caused by flying debris 
• Uprooted trees that can fall on structures or vehicles 
• Secondary damage from flooding, fires, or gas leaks 

In extreme cases as well as situations when structures are particularly susceptible to wind, as in the case of mobile homes, entire buildings can be destroyed in a tornado.  

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Property Against Severe Tornado Damage 

Taking proactive steps to protect your home or business in the event of a tornado will make it that much easier to weather the storm and recover financially.  

High winds, heavy rains, and even hail can be associated with tornadoes. When these elements occur together, the roof can be the first piece of a property to go. Upgrading a property’s roof with durable materials such as metal panels, asphalt shingles, and concrete tiles can help the roof stay intact.  

It is also a good idea to ensure that potential weak points in a building’s construction, such as roof trusses, windows, and doors, are secured and equipped with storm shutters. Properly maintaining outdoor spaces, especially trimming and pruning trees that could be hazardous in a tornado, is another effective preventative measure.  

Finally, securing utilities such as HVAC units with anchors and braces can protect them from damage in the event of a tornado. By taking proactive measures to prepare your property from tornadoes, you can mitigate the risk of damage and protect your family and belongings. 

Navigating Your Tornado Damage Insurance Claim Process 

Making an insurance claim in a timely manner after a tornado has hit is critical, but it can also be difficult as insurance companies are processing many claims and calls at the same time. In some cases, the damage is clear. In other circumstances, it may be far more complicated than a property owner realizes. For example, suction and wind flow can create hidden structural problems that the naked eye cannot see, including: 

• Wind damage 
• Water damage 
• Foundation problems 
• Structural issues 
• Debris strike damage 

Policyholders should follow their insurance company’s procedure for filing claims, including providing documentation of all damage.  

Comprehensive Support for Businesses Impacted by Tornadoes 

Businesses may experience unique difficulties after impact from a tornado due to damaged or destroyed inventory, and they must develop a plan to reopen safely. Getting the insurance claim process underway quickly to get the payout the policyholder is owed is key to a quick recovery.  

Addressing Unique Challenges for Commercial Properties After a Tornado 

After a tornado, businesses need to quickly decide how they will keep customers, pay their employees, and ensure everyone’s safety. Leveraging the insurance claim process should be part of the plan, but not all businesses can rely on a swift resolution to tornado insurance claims.  

Strategies for Ensuring Business Continuity in the Wake of a Tornado 

One of the best ways to address the unique challenges of a business after a tornado is to have a business continuity plan in place. A business continuity plan should include the criteria that should be met before reopening a damaged property, approaches for communicating with employees and customers, and plans for repair, rebuilding, and recovering any lost or damaged inventory. 

Expert Assistance with Tornado-Related Business Insurance Claims 

A public insurance adjuster can be a great resource in assisting with tornado-related business insurance claims. Policy holders are often at a disadvantage during the claim process. Proof of damage is the responsibility of the policyholder. If the policyholder is not clear on the terms of their policy and what to include on the claim, they could unknowingly leave money on the table. A public insurance adjuster will perform a comprehensive review of the policy and use their extensive experience to the advantage of the policyholder throughout the claim process. 

Contact WorldClaim for Trusted Assistance in Tornado Damage Recovery 

After a tornado, you shouldn’t have to chase down your insurance company for information. WorldClaim can handle all the necessary communication and keep you apprised of progress every step of the way. Our expert negotiators have handled more than $4 billion in claims, and average settlements are 47.5% higher than insurance companies’ initial offers.  

Contact us today to speak with one of our independent insurance adjusters and learn more about how we can help.