Winter and spring weather can and will often include very high winds and/or tornadic activity in many southern states. After a recent tornadic event, during a news interview an insurance company adjuster states that many hidden insurance loss damages from tornadoes can be often overlooked and missed. A policyholder needs to be educated about the various damages to look for and how to detect such damages that will become very costly down the road. Imagine having damages that cost thousands of dollars that show up months or years after the tornado and high wind activity is long gone.

Recently many Huntsville, AL neighborhoods found themselves in the path of a EF-2 tornado on January 28, 2010. Although most people agree that damage created by tornadoes are not difficult to see, even insurance adjusters and engineers can miss hidden damages, as they fail to look closely.

A thorough and detailed insurance loss inspection by an insurance claims consultant or independent insurance appraiser can go a long way. Why do policyholders simply take the insurance company adjuster\’s word for it, without obtaining a second opinion? This should never happen. Policyholders need to protect themselves and their homes by educating themselves on these few and simple wind damage inspection tips.

Plumbing: High winds can shake or rack your home or building. Policyholders should turn on all faucets in bathrooms and kitchens, then open all cabinets after a few minutes to check the plumbing lines for leaks. Flush all toilets and run all baths and showers as well. Look at the ceilings below for water stains.

Roofing/Siding: Often times an insurance loss involving wind may not have appeared to damage the roof. It\’s a good idea to look for flying debris that may have cracked, gouges or ripped in to the roof shingles. High winds can also rip and tear your shingles and siding allowing water entry.

Windows & Gutters: High winds, tornadoes, and flying debris can create subtle chips in window glass, rip and puncture screens, and affect shutters. Nails can be pulled from gutters allowing twisting and denting. Such damage will not allow the gutter to provide its purpose to divert water properly.

Brick & Foundations: Check masonry for cracks and separation. An insurance loss by tornado or wind can also cause shifting and uplift to foundations. Check the perimeter of all crawlspaces. Severe masonry damages can be hidden.

Interior: High winds can cause stress cracks in corners of walls, and above doors and windows. Check for settling of floors by using a level. Over the following few days and weeks, keep an eye out for water stains or yellowing on the walls and ceilings, which could indicate hidden roof leaks.

Insurance companies and their engineers have even been sued for failing to recognize many of these types of damages for insurance claims following high winds and tornadoes. CNN reported \”State Farm Penalized in Suit Over Tornado Claims :\”

State Farm acted \”recklessly\” and \”with malice\” in handling insurance claims from dozens of families whose homes were damaged when a wave of tornadoes, including the strongest in recorded history, swept through Oklahoma in 1999, a jury has decided. The verdict…delivered millions to the lead plaintiffs… The jury in the District Court of Grady County, Oklahoma, awarded Donald and Bridget Watkins almost $13 million in total damages for their part in the class action suit against the nation\’s largest insurer….

As we are all well aware, an insurance loss involving a tornado – results in very strong winds. Even tornadoes that do not actually \”touch-down\” can cause significant pressure on buildings. Such winds will push and pull on the structures causing fasteners and building parts to become compromised.

Above all, as stated, call an insurance loss consultant or independent insurance appraiser to inspect your property and be sure your home is safe. Feel free to call Insurance Claims Group, Inc. at 919-669-9111 to have all your insurance loss questions answered.

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Get Insurance Loss Help , by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com or http://www.fireinsuranceclaims.net

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