Living in Florida, homeowners are familiar with the potential damage that severe weather conditions can cause. The state regularly experiences storms, hurricanes and floods, which can cause significant property damage.
Residents of the city of Tampa are no exception. Several weather-related events have caused severe damage to their homes in the past years. Thankfully, there are insurance policies that can help them recover after experiencing such calamities.
Types of weather-related damage in Tampa
Weather-related damage can come in various forms and impact different home parts. Some examples include:
- Wind damage: High-speed winds during hurricane season often hit Tampa. These winds can damage roofs, siding and windows, leading to leaks and water damage.
- Flood damage: Tampa is also prone to flooding due to its location near the Gulf of Mexico. Flood damage can cause significant damage to a home’s foundation, walls and electrical systems.
- Hail damage: Although hail is uncommon in Tampa, it can occur during severe thunderstorms. Hailstones can cause damage to roofs, siding and windows.
These are just some examples. Other indirect damages may surface as well. A tree may fall on your property because of strong winds. Too much heat and humidity may also cause cracking or warping of siding or paint in your home.
Homeowners insurance coverage for these damages
Homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage caused by severe weather conditions, with some exceptions. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hurricane damage: Homeowners in Florida must have hurricane coverage, which includes wind and water damage caused by hurricanes. The range consists of repairing or replacing the damaged property, such as roofs, windows and doors. However, homeowners may have to pay a separate deductible for hurricane damage.
- Flood damage: Homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage caused by rising water. To obtain flood coverage, homeowners must buy a separate policy. They may purchase this from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Other weather-related damage: Homeowners’ insurance policies usually cover different types of weather-related damage, such as hail damage. However, the coverage may depend on the cause of the damage and the homeowner’s policy limits.
Weather-related damages can significantly impact a homeowner’s insurance claim in Tampa, Florida. Homeowners should be proactive in protecting their property through insurance policies. They must understand the types of damage that can occur and the coverage options available in their policy.