Buildings or Premises - bank or office - mercantile or manufacturing (lessor's risk only) - Other than Not-For-Profit
As Wisconsin moves closer to spring, storm season isn’t far behind.
While winter gets most of the attention, spring and summer often bring some of the most expensive property claims of the year — hail, wind, heavy rain, lightning, and even tornadoes. And for many homeowners, storm damage is when insurance coverage gets tested.
Understanding what your homeowners policy actually covers before storm season begins can prevent confusion later.
Wind and Hail: Generally Covered — But Details Matter
Most standard homeowners policies in Wisconsin cover sudden and accidental damage caused by wind or hail. That includes things like:
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Roof damage from hail
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Siding damage from strong winds
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Fallen trees caused by storms
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Structural damage from severe weather
However, what many homeowners don’t realize is that policies can differ in how roof damage is handled.
Some policies provide replacement cost coverage, meaning the insurer pays to replace damaged roofing materials without deducting for age (aside from your deductible). Others may include actual cash value (ACV) provisions for older roofs, which factor in depreciation.
The difference can be significant.
Deductibles: The Often Overlooked Factor
In some cases, homeowners may have a specific wind or hail deductible separate from their standard deductible.
This could be:
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A flat dollar amount
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A percentage of the dwelling limit
For example, a 1% wind deductible on a $400,000 home would equal $4,000 out of pocket before insurance applies.
Many people don’t realize whether their policy includes this structure until after a loss.
Ordinance & Law Coverage
After a major storm, repairs sometimes trigger updated building code requirements. If part of a roof or structure is damaged, the local building department may require upgrades to meet current codes.
Standard policies typically cover direct damage, but additional costs to meet updated codes may require ordinance & law coverage. Without it, homeowners could face out-of-pocket expenses to comply with new construction standards.
Water Damage vs. Flood Damage
Storm-related water damage can be confusing.
If wind damages your roof and rain enters the home, that is generally covered because the water entered due to a covered peril.
However, rising groundwater or surface water entering the home is considered flood damage — which is not covered under a standard homeowners policy.
Additionally, sewer or sump pump backup usually requires a separate endorsement.
Understanding these distinctions before heavy rain events arrive can clarify expectations.
Roof Age and Condition Matter
Storm season also highlights another important factor: maintenance.
Insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental damage — not wear and tear. If a roof is already deteriorating before a storm, coverage may be limited or questioned.
Keeping documentation of roof inspections, repairs, and maintenance can be helpful if a claim arises.
Why Review Before the Storm, Not After
Once a storm is in the forecast, coverage can’t be adjusted retroactively.
Spring is a practical time to review:
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Dwelling limits
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Deductibles
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Roof settlement terms
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Optional endorsements
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Liability coverage
Storm claims are some of the most common in Wisconsin. Being familiar with how your policy responds before severe weather hits allows you to make informed decisions calmly — rather than during an emergency.
A Few Tips For Homeowners To Help Prevent Damage
Homeowners can also take practical steps that have nothing to do with insurance. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear helps water move away from the foundation during heavy rain. Making sure grading slopes away from the home can reduce pooling near basement walls. Trimming weak tree limbs before storm season lowers the risk of impact damage, and having your roof inspected for loose or aging shingles can help prevent hail from turning a minor issue into a major leak.
Final Thoughts
Storm season is a normal part of living in Wisconsin. While we can’t prevent hail or wind, we can prepare thoughtfully.
Understanding how your homeowners policy responds — what it covers, how deductibles apply, and where optional endorsements come into play — makes storm season less uncertain.
Preparation isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about knowing where you stand before the weather changes.
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