Home and Auto Blog

High Winds Won’t Blow You Off Course

The wind storm that shook your house and kept your dog whimpering all night resulted in even more anxiety this morning when you found a large tree limb has fallen on your home. By the looks of things, it’s won’t be cheap to repair...

Not to worry; damage caused by wind - such as windows broken by falling trees or branches - as well as wind damage due to tornadoes, is covered by most homeowner policies. (It’s a good thing, too, given the number of tornadoes that touched down in southern Ontario last summer, causing severe damage.) Most policies do not cover the cost to remove the tree that has blown down, however - so you have to remove the branch (or hire someone) and discard it.

Water entering your home and damaging your property as a result of holes caused by wind is also usually covered. (Water damage in a basement due to a sewer backup is covered only if a sewer backup insurance has been added to your policy.

If that windstorm had sent the tree limb through your car, you can also breathe a sigh of relief. Damage caused by wind is usually covered by the comprehensive coverage on your car.

No point waiting for high winds to let loose; here are some proactive measures you can take to lessen damage:

• Check on how well attached are items on your roof, such as a satellite dish, on your roof as well as any debris that might fly around in high winds

• Trim dead branches from trees near your house

• Check out roofing materials that have high wind resistance; some insurance companies provide discounts for these types of roofs

• Get your roof inspected occasionally to see if sections need repair

If you are unable to live in your home due to insurable wind damage, you may be entitled to additional living expenses; talk to your insurance broker about what’s available with your policy.