01. Roof Lifting and Shingle Damage
The Scenario: High winds rip shingles off your roof, or in severe cases, lift the entire roof structure.
Insurance Verdict: Likely Covered. Standard policies cover "windstorm" damage. However, watch out for your "Hurricane Deductible," which is often higher (1% to 5% of the home's insured value) than your standard deductible.
02. Storm Surge and Rising Water
The Scenario: Water from the ocean, a river, or the street rises and enters your home, destroying flooring and drywall.
Insurance Verdict: NOT Covered. Standard home insurance explicitly excludes "flood." Unless you have a separate policy through the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or a private flood insurer, you will likely pay for these repairs out of pocket.
03. Wind-Driven Rain
The Scenario: Your roof isn't ripped off, but wind pushes rain horizontally through vents, windows, or cracks, soaking your interior walls.
Insurance Verdict: It's Complicated. Many policies only cover interior water damage if the wind created an "opening" in the structure first (like a broken window). If the water just seeped in through old seals, the claim might be denied.
04. Falling Trees and Debris
The Scenario: A neighbor's tree snaps and lands on your garage.
Insurance Verdict: Likely Covered. If a tree hits a covered structure (your house, fence, or garage), insurance usually pays for removal and repairs. However, if a tree falls in your yard but hits nothing, removal costs are often not covered.
05. Mold Growth
The Scenario: Weeks after the storm, black mold appears behind your drywall due to hidden moisture.
Insurance Verdict: Limited Coverage. Mold is often capped at small amounts (e.g., $10,000) or excluded entirely if the insurer believes it resulted from "neglect" (i.e., you didn't dry the house out fast enough).
How to File a Successful Claim: Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the damage before you clean anything up. Mitigate Further Damage: You have a "duty to mitigate." Put tarps on holes and board up broken windows to prevent more rain from entering. Keep receipts for these supplies. Don't Throw Evidence Away: Do not dispose of ruined items (like soaked carpet) until the adjuster has seen them.
Conclusion
Navigating a hurricane claim is complex. If you are facing significant damage, especially from water, do not assume your policy covers it. Review your "Declarations Page" immediately, and if your claim is denied, consider consulting a Public Adjuster to fight for your payout.