Insurance claims surge after storms damage homes and cars

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – People in and around Charlottesville are dealing with widespread tree damage following recent storms, and many are now asking whether their insurance will cover the cleanup and repair costs. According to local insurance agents, the answer depends on the specifics of each situation.

Gary Albert, a State Farm insurance agent in Charlottesville, said his phone has been ringing all day from people asking about next steps after storms damaged their property.

“Often times, the type of damage we’re seeing are debris from trees falling and limbs, that type,” Albert said.

Albert said homeowners and renters should document all damage as soon as it is safe to do so, then contact their insurance company.

“The most important thing is the first step to make sure you’re okay,” Albert said.

While policies vary by company, homeowners insurance typically covers damage from trees knocked down by strong winds that affect a roof, garage, or fence. If a tree damages a structure, the policy usually covers some of the cost of removal. If a tree falls in a yard and damages nothing, removal is generally an out-of-pocket expense.

If a tree strikes a car, it is almost always a car insurance matter.

“You have to refer to your carrier to see if what happened meets the definition of a covered claim in your scenario. Every situation is a little different,” Albert said.

When a tree falls on a neighboring property, Albert said both parties need to be involved.

“If the tree fell on the home or fell onto the neighbors home, there needs to be a conversation and investigation by the insurance company,” he said.

During storm season, insurance agents are urging residents to take preventative steps to limit potential damage, such as cleaning gutters, trimming branches, and securing garbage cans before a storm.

“We want to make sure that if the unexpected happens, that the insurance company can be there when you need us to be there for you. And, we can get you back to living your life,” Albert said.

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