Residents in West Virginia have raised a number of queries with regard to home insurance. Some of the FAQs are listed below. You can clarify them further you’re your agent or the department of insurance, West Virginia.
A tree falls in my yard but does not cause any damage. Will my insurance pay for clearing it?
Typically a policy will pay only if the tree has caused some tangible damage to your home or property and the area therefore requires clean up and removal. However, some policies provide limited coverage for clean up and removal of trees.
If a neighbor's tree falls on my property and damages my home, should by neighbor's insurance company pay?
If you can prove the fact that it was due to the neighbor’s negligence, then yes. If not then the neighbor’s policy covers his/her house and your policy covers your house. However, if the tree fell due to a storm, the question of negligence would not arise.
A tree from my property fell on my neighbor's house. Will my policy pay the damage caused and who pays to remove the tree?
The neighbor’s policy covers his/her house and your policy covers yours. His policy is expected to take care of the tree removal as well.
Deductibles
Is there a difference between a hurricane and a wind deductible?
You need to read your policy to know the distinction if it is mentioned. It depends on how the policy describes the deductible. Yes, there is often a difference between wind deductibles and hurricane deductibles. Hurricane deductibles are very precise. Deductibles for the policies for Wind insurance can be hiked incase of damages by a thunderstorm, tropical storm or a hurricane.
Does the wind deductible apply to the entire loss (i.e., additional coverage like debris removal and food spoilage) or just my home?
It depends on how the policy describes the deductibles. There may be more than one deductible in force at times. There could be a wind deductible that applies only to buildings and another deductible that applies to debris removal or food spoilage.
Loss of Use/Additional Living Expense
Will my policy pay for me to stay in a hotel if my power is off and I have no water? Most policies pay for the extra expenses only when your home is uninhabitable—or unsafe to continue to live there.
Will my policy pay for a generator?
Typically no. Find out if your pertinent circumstances would enable the reimbursement for this expense.
Special Endorsements
Food Spoilage
My neighbor's company compensated them for food spoilage. My policy does not make a mention of this. Do all policies have this endorsement?
No, all policies do not cover food spoilage.
Duties in the Event of a Loss
What should I do if I have a loss?
- You should contact your agent or insurance company as soon as possible.
- Safeguard your property from any more damage. Keep all the counterfoils of transactions and expenses you incur when making repairs or protecting your possessions.
- Keep an inventory of your damaged property—take pictures or videotape the damage if possible.
Who should I call to report a claim if I have flood insurance?
Contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if your policy was written directly by them. Their toll free number is (800) 638-6620. Most policies are written by participating carriers. If your policy was written by one of the participating insurers, contact that insurance company or your agent to report the claim.
Numbers for many of the participating insurers can be found on the NFIP website: www.fema.gov/nfipInsurance/search_search.jsp
Who do I call if I have a flood policy and do not know the name of the carrier or policy number?
You can call the NFIP at (800) 368-7720 or (800) 638-6620. Get in touch with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance if the NFIP is not able to assist.
Insurance Help