When a tornado strikes, the path from wreckage to recovery starts with a well-handled insurance claim. Below is a concise checklist—built from industry guidance—to help residential and commercial policyholders protect their rights and maximize their settlements.
1. Put Safety First, Then Notify Your Insurer
- Confirm everyone is safe and utilities are shut off if lines are compromised.
- Contact your agent or carrier immediately; most policies require prompt notice and the busiest claims get handled first.
2. Document, Document, Document
- Photograph/film every angle (exterior, roof, interior, contents) before debris is removed.
- Create a room-by-room or department-by-department inventory. Include make, model, serial numbers, and age.
- Keep a claim binder: log every call, email, receipt, and inspection note.
3. Mitigate Further Loss—but Save the Receipts
- Board windows, tarp roofs, secure doors, and arrange temporary security if needed.
- Reasonable mitigation costs (plywood, tarps, generators, overtime payroll) are generally reimbursable—keep receipts.
4. Understand Your Policy & Deductibles
- Standard homeowners and commercial property policies cover wind-driven tornado damage; flood that follows may need separate coverage.
- Review special deductibles, ordinance-or-law/code-upgrade endorsements, mold limits, and debris-removal sub-limits. Additional endorsements can fill costly gaps.
5. Residential Claim Nuances
| Key Issue | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Living Expense (ALE) | Pays for hotel, meals, pet boarding while your home is uninhabitable | Track dates, nightly rates, mileage |
| Roof & Siding Match | Carriers may try to replace only damaged facets | Know state matching statutes and policy wording |
| Personal Property Valuation | Actual Cash Value (ACV) vs. Replacement Cost | Submit receipts for recoverable depreciation |
6. Commercial Claim Nuances
| Key Issue | Action Items | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Interruption (BI) | Notify carrier as soon as operations are disrupted; gather P&Ls, sales ledgers, payroll, rent, and extra-expense invoices | Insurance Claim HQ |
| Wind vs. Water Causation | Prove that any water damage flowed through tornado-created openings | Globe Midwest™ Adjusters International |
| Time-Element Deadlines | Policies set strict windows for Notice of Loss and Proof of Loss—mark them on your calendar | The Voss Law Firm, P.C. |
Tip: Engage forensic accountants early to model lost revenue and extra expenses accurately.
7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Throwing out damaged items too soon. Wait until your adjuster approves disposal.
- Signing repair contracts before coverage is confirmed. Vet contractors, and align estimates with policy scope.
- Assuming the insurer’s photos are sufficient. Maintain your own record—more angles, more proof.
8. When to Call Reinforcements
If the loss is complex, the carrier is unresponsive, or settlement offers seem low, consider hiring:
- Public Adjuster – advocates exclusively for the policyholder.
- Structural Engineer or Roofing Consultant – substantiates hidden damage.
- Legal Counsel – navigates bad-faith or BI disputes.
Final Thoughts
Navigating a tornado claim is a marathon, not a sprint. Detailed documentation, rigorous policy review, and proactive mitigation are your strongest allies. The David Group’s licensed public adjusters stand ready to guide homeowners and business owners through every stage—from first notice of loss to final settlement—so you can rebuild with confidence.