Are you covered for storm and hail damage?

How much landlord insurance coverage do I need for storm and hail damage?

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There is no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to choosing your coverage limits. Your dwelling coverage should reflect the full cost to rebuild your property after storm or hail damage from a covered loss. You can set your coverage limits based on factors such as the value of your rental property, regional weather patterns, and local storm frequency when choosing landlord coverage amounts.

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When determining how much personal property coverage you need, create an inventory of items you own that are kept at the rental property. Consider the replacement cost of maintenance equipment, appliances you provide, and any furnishings in common areas that could be damaged by severe weather. Most standard policies cover personal property at about 10% of your dwelling coverage.

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Your dwelling coverage limit should equal the cost to rebuild your property after storm damage—not its market value or purchase price. Consider local construction costs, square footage, roofing materials, siding type, and any upgrades when calculating this amount. Properties in hail-prone areas may need special consideration for impact-resistant materials. Working with a local contractor or insurance agent familiar with storm damage repairs can help determine an accurate rebuilding cost estimate.

Types of storm and hail damage covered

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1. Structural storm and hail damage coverage
2. Personal property protection from severe weather
3. Loss of rental income after storm damage
4. Additional living expenses coverage

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The roof is considered part of the dwelling structure, so damage from qualifying storms and hail would fall under your structural coverage. This includes damage such as:

• Hail punctures or dents in roofing materials
• Wind damage that tears off shingles or roofing components
• Storm damage that creates leaks or structural compromise

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However, there are important considerations:

• The damage must be from a covered weather event that meets your policy's thresholds (wind speed, hail size)
• Pre-existing damage or wear-and-tear issues typically aren't covered
• Some policies may have separate deductibles for wind/hail claims
• Documentation and proper claims filing are essential, as insurers may scrutinize roof damage claims

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It's worth reviewing your specific policy language and discussing coverage limits with your insurance agent, as roof repairs can be expensive and you want to ensure adequate protection for this critical structural component.

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Storm and hail damage that landlord insurance may not cover

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While landlord insurance provides substantial protection against storm and hail damage, be aware of these common exclusions:

1. Damage from floods or storm surge (requires separate flood insurance)
2. Gradual damage from long-term weather exposure or lack of maintenance
3. Vacant properties (typically defined as unoccupied for more than 30-60 days)
4. Damage from storms below your policy's wind speed threshold or hail size minimum