Storm damage from wind or a power surge? Use these tips to file an insurance claim in PA
If you think you may have damage to your home and may submit a claim to your insurance in the future, here are some things you should do as soon as you can to document your property. A word of caution, stay away from downed power lines in the immediate aftermath of a storm and avoid contact with standing water.
What kind of storm damage does homeowner’s insurance cover?
Typically, your homeowner’s insurance will cover wind damage from a spring storm, though you should check your individual policy. Some property owners may have separate wind and hail coverage, as well.
According to insurance giant Allstate, a typical policy should cover water and ice damage, lightning strikes, power surges and damage from wind and hail, as well as fallen trees.
Flooding is typically not covered by homeowner’s insurance, so if you have water damage, it is important to assess where the water came from.
Top tips for filing a storm claim with your insurance in PA
The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance offers some tips to help you file a claim and get the most from your policy. It starts with promptly notifying your insurance carrier of any damage.
When you speak to a representative, you should “follow the instructions given by your insurer and keep a record of the people you spoke with. Records should include date, name and title,” the department writes in its “After the Storm” brochure.
Next, take photos and videos of the damage. Be sure to avoid injury while surveying your property. You should take these evidence photos before cleanup on your property begins. In addition to looking at your structures, make sure to check your vehicles.
If you make purchases for clean up or temporary, stop-gap repairs, the Department of Insurance advises you keep all related receipts. Some of these costs may be reimbursable. Furthermore, don’t make permanent repairs on your own, just do what is necessary to prevent more damage.
You should file all your receipts and paperwork promptly and provide your carrier with as much information as you can to speed up your claim and get an adjuster out to your property.
Once that’s done and you have completed the stop-gap repairs, the Department of Insurance recommends you don’t rush to an agreement.
“Don’t rush to a settlement. If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with an insurance company representative who will assess the damage to your property,” the state department advises. “If you and your insurance company disagree on the offer made to repair your property, be prepared to negotiate if necessary.”
The office offers consumer services to help residents and property owners navigate claims. You can contact the Pennsylvania Insurance Department online at insurance.pa.gov or by calling 1-877-881-6388.
Finally, be wary of bad actors and scams during the insurance claim and repair process. You can find tips to avoid insurance scams online here. In the immediate aftermath of a storm, if an insurance representative approaches you unscheduled, request to see their licensing information.
Will my homeowner’s insurance increase if I make a claim?
While it can vary widely, yes, making a claim against your insurance leads to increased premiums in the future.
According to financial literacy website Bankrate, liability claims tend to increase premiums the most, but any claim can affect your premiums at your next renewal.
Factors in an increase can include your personal history, your location, the type and size of the claim, your insurance carrier and your policy.
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 12:19 PM.