Windstorm insurance is an important type of property-casualty insurance that protects property owners from the costly damage associated with high winds. Windstorm insurance may cover the physical damage to a property, as well as the personal belongings that are damaged or lost. Windstorm insurance claims may—or may not—extend beyond structural repairs, as some policies will also compensate for temporary shelter or lost income due to interruption of business or other activities.

Windstorm insurance is often seen as a rider to a homeowner’s insurance policy, in order to protect a property that may be vulnerable to the high winds of a tornado, hurricane or gale. Although windstorm insurance policies may vary state-to-state, most include stipulations that limit the time frame a policyholder can claim a windstorm damage.

The premium for windstorm insurance depends mainly on the geographic location of a property and the contingencies of the policy. For example, if a property is located in an area that is considered prone to hurricanes, then the windstorm insurance premium will typically be higher than for a property located in an area devoid of hurricanes. Other risk factors that may be taken into consideration when establishing the premium include the kind of construction and materials used in building the property, as well as any modifications that were made to it that may make it less resistant to windstorm damage.

Windstorm insurance is an essential product for property owners who live in hurricane and tornado-prone areas. Despite the cost associated with premiums, windstorm insurance can often be a life-saver, as the damage can be significant and the costs to repair it can be impossible to cover without insurance. Windstorm insurance can also help policyholders somewhat easily fulfill any mandatory requirements for windstorm by lenders for mortgage loans.

It is important for property owners to remember that windstorm insurance is a specialized type of property-casualty insurance. It is for windstorm damage only, not for any kind of hail, fire, hail or hail-like damage that may result from a tornado, hurricane or other high-wind event. Additionally, some policies may not extend coverage if a storm is only considered a tropical storm, rather than a full-fledged hurricane.

Given the extensive damage that can be done by a windstorm, it is important for property owners to establish a secure policy in order to ensure that their property is protected in the event of a catastrophe. With careful research and understanding the details of one’s policy and insurance provider, a property owner can understand what costs are covered and plan accordingly to protect their home and belongings in case of windstorm damage.