Winter and spring storms can and will often include tornado activity in many southern states. As part of a recent news interview an insurance company adjuster admits and confirms that many insurance loss damages from tornadoes are often missed and overlooked. Policyholders need to become educated of the various damages to look for and how to detect subtle damages that become very costly down the road. The types of damages that can show up months or years after the high winds and tornado activity is long gone.

Several Huntsville, AL neighborhoods were recently affected by an EF-2 tornado on Thur. Jan, 28th 2010. Most of the time the damages created by tornadoes and/or high winds are pretty hard to miss, however, even insurance company adjusters will miss ind and tornado damages, when they fail to do proper inspections.

A thorough insurance loss inspection by a insurance claim consultant or independent insurance appraiser is suggested. Too many policyholders take their adjusters word for it, without getting a second opinion. This should almost never happen. Protect yourself and your home by educating yourself on these few wind damage inspection tips.

Plumbing: High winds can often shake and rack a home or building. Policyholders can turn on all faucets in baths and kitchens, followed by opening all cabinets to check the plumbing lines for leakage. Continue by flushing all toilets and running showers and filling all bathtubs with water. Look at the ceilings below for water stains.

Roofing/Siding: Often an insurance loss involving high winds may not have appeared to damage the roof when you look up there. However, it’s a good idea to inspect the roof for cracks, gouges or tears on the roof shingles from flying debris. High winds can also rip, tear, and crack many types of siding. Such affects on the siding and roof can allow water entry.

Windows & Gutters: Wind and flying debris can damage window glass, rip screens, affect shutters, and detach or dent gutters.

Brick & Foundations: Check for cracking and separation. An insurance loss by wind can also cause uplift to foundations. Check the perimeter of crawlspaces. Severe 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.

In 2006, SF insurance company and their engineers at Haag have even been sued for failing to recognize such damages for insurance loss claims following high winds and tornadoes. CNN reported “Insurance Company (SF) Penalized in Suit Over Tornado Claims: “

The Insurance Company (SF) 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…

Everyone is well aware that an insurance loss involving a tornado will result in very strong winds. Even those tornadoes that don’t actually “touch-down,” can cause significant wind loads and pressure on buildings. Such winds can push and pull on buildings, causing fasteners and building parts to become highly 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.

Copyright of Insurance Claims Group, Inc. & Joseph P. Brennan: Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. Joe has been in the property loss business for more than 24-years. His loss experience began as a contractor / builder, which included water and fire damage restoration repair services. After 20-years of insurance restoration estimating and repair experience, Mr. Brennan became a licensed independent insurance claims adjuster. Joe has maintained his IICRC Certification in both Fire and Water Restoration and also maintains active adjuster licenses in 10-states. Throughout his career, he has handled many multi-million dollar losses, both commercial and residential. The amount of combined experience and knowledge of new construction, damage repairs, and insurance claims handling has advanced his ability to act as a Dispute Appraiser and Appraisal Umpire. Mr. Brennan is highly educated with the appraisal process and has acted as an appraiser and umpire on dozens of claims.

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