AAA warns spring storms can cause costly damage, urges residents to prepare early | The Apopka Voice

From AAA

In Summary:

AAA is warning that spring storms can cause extensive and costly damage to homes and vehicles. The organization highlighted risks, including tornadoes, hail, flooding, and wind damage, along with common insurance coverage gaps. Officials are urging residents to review policies, maintain their homes, and prepare emergency plans before severe weather arrives.

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Spring storms are back, and underestimating them can be costly. AAA is partnering with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety to help residents prepare.

Spring Storm Threats

Spring weather patterns fuel fast‑developing storms capable of causing severe damage with little warning.

Related: 24 spring home maintenance tasks to add to your to-do list.

• Tornadoes can rip roofs from homes, collapse walls, and turn debris into high-speed projectiles that shatter windows and damage vehicles. Even weaker tornadoes can leave homes unstable and cause costly structural repairs.
• Severe thunderstorms produce destructive wind gusts that tear off shingles, break tree limbs, and damage siding, while lightning can spark house fires or destroy electrical systems. Heavy rainfall often leads to roof leaks and interior water damage.
• Large hail can punch holes through roofing materials, break windows and skylights, and heavily dent or total vehicles. Repeated impacts weaken roofs and increase the risk of leaks and long-term structural deterioration.
• Flash flooding can overwhelm foundations, enter crawlspaces and living areas, and destroy flooring, drywall, appliances, and electrical components. Once water recedes, lingering mold and structural damage can drive repair costs even higher.
• Straight-line winds can uproot trees, peel off roof coverings, and lift unsecured structures such as sheds and patios. Flying debris can break windows, damage siding, and compromise garage doors, leading to further interior damage.

“By the time many people realize how severe a storm is, the damage may already be done,” said Jeff Jones, AVP of Claims for AAA The Auto Club Group. “Our claims teams see it every year, from roofs torn apart by wind to vehicles destroyed by hail. Preparing early and staying alert can reduce the damage when severe weather hits.”

Why Spring Storms Are So Costly

Spring storms cause billions of dollars in losses each year, driven largely by a small number of home components that repeatedly fail under extreme conditions:

• Roof replacement: Replacing asphalt shingles on an average-sized home can cost $3,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on materials and labor. When roofing fails, water intrusion often causes additional interior damage.
• Water damage: IBHS testing shows that when roof coverings fail, the equivalent of nine bathtubs of water can enter a home for every inch of rain, leading to costly repairs, mold remediation, and content replacement.
• Garage door failure: Garage doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of a home in high winds. Replacing a wind-rated garage door typically costs $1,200 to $3,000, and failure can trigger structural damage throughout the home.
• Hail damage: Hail accounts for 50 to 80 percent of severe storm losses nationwide, damaging roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Vehicle repairs alone can run into the thousands.
• HVAC replacement: Unprotected HVAC units damaged by hail may require full replacement, while protective screens typically cost $200 to $400, far less than repairing or replacing the unit.
• Tree and debris impacts: Falling limbs and wind-driven debris frequently damage roofs, windows, and vehicles, adding unexpected repair and insurance costs.

What Storm Victims Often Learn Too Late

• Flood damage is not covered under standard homeowners or renters insurance.
• Wind and hail are usually covered but may have higher or separate deductibles.
• Due to increasing construction costs, existing insurance policies may no longer offer sufficient coverage for complete reconstruction. 
• Auto damage from hail or flooding is only covered with comprehensive coverage.

What Homeowners Can Do Now to Reduce Storm Damage

• Review your insurance coverage to ensure policies reflect current replacement costs and that deductibles are understood.
• Inspect and maintain your roof. Replace loose shingles and ensure flashing around chimneys and vents is secure.
• Install a wind-rated garage door. This is one of the weakest points in a home during high winds.
• Trim trees and remove dead or overhanging limbs to reduce the risk of damage.
• Secure or store outdoor items so they do not become airborne in high winds.
• Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.
• Protect your vehicle by identifying a place to park it during severe weather.

Click here to review AAA’s Storm Ready Guide

“Once spring storms are in the forecast, it is often too late to adjust your coverage or prepare your property,” Jones said. “AAA encourages residents to do everything they can now to prepare their property and review their insurance coverage, so they are protected before the weather turns. And when the storms do come, our team is here to help.”

Key Points:

• Spring storms can develop quickly and cause major damage
• Hail accounts for up to 80% of severe storm losses
• Flood damage is typically not covered by standard insurance
• Roof and garage door failures are common damage points
• AAA urges early preparation and insurance review

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings, and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, visit AAA.com.