Severe storms leave northwest Missouri homeowners filing insurance claims
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Northwest Missouri has been hit by severe storms a few times this spring and homeowners are dealing with the cost of the damage.
During the early spring and summer, wind and hail damage is what most insurance companies are seeing.
Don Tolly, owner of Tolly and Associates, said if your home is damaged in a storm, there are two important steps homeowners should take immediately.
"If you have like a tree fall through your roof, you want to call someone and get your roof covered," Tolly said. "Protect your property from further damage is number 1. Number 2, would be then call your insurance company or your insurance agent and let them know you need to file a claim."
If you spend any money on protecting your property, Tolly advises to save your receipts because it can become part of your claim.
He said most storm damage is covered by insurance policies.
"Depending on the type of policy you have, it depends on how it's covered," Tolly said. "Sometimes it's covered for replacement costs, sometimes it's covered by actual cash value. Sometimes their may be cosmetic damage that may not be covered. Every insurance policy is a little different."
When there is widespread storm damage, people will be brought in to help adjust claims.
"Your looking at a week, or less, you should have someone at your house," Tolly said It may take a little longer depending on the number of claims. Within a few months your claim should be settled and you should be moving on getting your contractors in to start repairing your home."
However, Tolly said that flood damage is excluded from typical homeowner insurance.
"You would need to have a separate policy," Tolly said said. "If you are in a flood zone or in an area that could flood, you would want to consider getting a flood policy to protect your property."
Tolly wants to remind everyone to know your insurance policy, and meet with your insurance agent every few years to update your policy.
