Insurance Advice – Are Adjusters Underestimating Tornado Damage Claims

Early spring and summer storms will often encounter tornadic events troughout many southern US states. In a T.V. interview even an insurance company adjuster advised that many insurance claim damages from windstorms are often missed. Insureds should educate themselves and search for insurance advice about the various damages to be on the lookout for and how to detect subtle damage which could be very costly and will often show up many months or years after the tornado is long gone.

Unfortunate policyholders who have found themselves in the lane of tornadic activity agree that most of the damage is not too  difficult to see. Although this fact is agreed to by most people, even many insurance professionals and engineers will unknowingly miss unseen damages, because often they fail to look closely.

A thorough wind damage inspection by a professional claims consultant or independent appraisers is suggested. Too many policyholders take their adjusters analysis, without getting another opinion. You can’t allow such a thing to happen. Protect yourself and your investment by educating yourself on these few tornado damage inspection tips.

Plumbing: Windstorms will shake and displace a home or building. Policyholders should open all fixtures in kitchens and baths, then open all cabinets to check all plumbing for leaks. Continue by flushing all toilets, run showers and fill all bathtubs with water. Look at the ceilings below these areas for water marks .

Roofing/Siding: Many times an insurance loss involving high winds may not have appeared to damage the roof from the ground. However, it’s a must to have someone inspect the roof for cracks, gouges or tears to the roofing from flying debris. Windstorms will also rip, tear, and crack many types of siding. These types of affects on the siding and roofing materials can occasionally allow water entry.

Windows & Gutters: High winds and flying debris can damage window panes, rip screening, affect shutters, and detach or dent gutters.

Brick & Foundations: Look at masonry for breaks and separation. Insurance damage by tornadoes or windstorms can also cause racking and uplift to footings and foundations. Look at the perimeter of all crawlspaces. Severe structural damages can be missed.

Interior: Extreme winds sometimes cause stress to intersecting joints at the corners of ceilings and walls. Such stress cracking is seen above doors and window openings. It’s suggested to look for cupping of floors and also shifting of walls by using a level. Sometime within the following days and weeks it is highly recommended to look out for water stains or mold on walls and ceilings. This type of stains will often indicate hidden and missed roof damage .

Insurers and their engineers have even been sued for failing to identify many of these types of tornado and wind damages for insurance claims after excessive wind activity 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….

We are all well aware, windstorms involving a tornado – results in very strong winds. Even tornadoes that do not actually touch the ground will often result in significant pressure to residential and commercial structures. Extreme winds can often push and pull on the buildings causing fasteners and building parts to become displaced.

Above all, as stated, call an insurance loss consultant or independent appraiser to inspect your structures and be sure your investment is safe. Feel free to call Insurance Claims Group, Inc. at 919-669-9111 to obtain FREE Insurance Advice.

(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 insurance claim concerns FREE  – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Secure FREE insurance advice, by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com or http://www.insurance-appraisal-services.com