The Storm After the Storm

While many Long Islanders and people of the Tri State Area were hit hard with damages from the Nor’easter, some were hit harder by the realization that the damage isn’t covered by insurance.

The claims people that get denied most often, (or that are heavily disputed), after a Nor’easter center on water that the insurer classifies as flood, rain that didn’t enter through a clear wind-created opening, and anything the carrier can label pre-existing, gradual, or the result of maintenance issues.

Evident claims, like a tree falling into a home or shingles that got blown off a roof, could be easy to get coverage determination. Standard homeowners policies cover wind damage and rain that enters through a storm-created opening. Meaning the siding was lifted from the wind allowing rain to penetrate inside. You must fully document the damaged siding to prove the coverage or it may get denied.

Many times, a home owner feels that insurance will pay for any and all damage but unfortunately, that’s not true. My office was inundated with calls of water coming in basement windows or down cellar entrances. These types of claims aren’t usually covered under a standard policy. It’s important to know what your policy covers. You don’t want to just file a claim that will be denied. Every time you file, whether it’s covered or not, goes on your record and may affect how much your premium is on the next renewal.  When in doubt, call a public adjuster or someone that is familiar with claim coverages before you file a claim.