Windstorm Season in Puget Sound: Protecting Your Home and Your Claim

Most homeowners policies cover wind damage to your house and other structures, including damage from trees that fall on a covered structure. Coverage for cleaning up trees that fall without hitting anything is usually limited, and power outage losses such as spoiled food depend on your policy.

Before the storm

  • Have an arborist look at large trees near the house, especially leaning or dead ones
  • Clean gutters and downspouts so heavy rain can drain
  • Secure patio furniture, grills and trampolines
  • Take a quick video walkthrough of your home and belongings for your records
  • Know where your water shut-off and electrical panel are

After the storm

  • Stay away from downed power lines and call the utility
  • Photograph all damage before cleanup
  • Make temporary repairs, such as tarping a roof, to prevent further damage, and keep receipts
  • Report the claim to your insurance company, then call us

Coverage questions we hear

A tree from my neighbor’s yard fell on my house. Whose insurance pays? Usually your own homeowners policy pays for damage to your home, regardless of whose tree it was, unless the neighbor was negligent in maintaining a tree they knew was hazardous.

The tree hit my car. Damage to your car is generally covered by the comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, not your home policy.

The power was out for three days. Some policies include limited coverage for food spoilage. Check your policy, or ask us.

See our home insurance page or call (425) 555-0100 to review your coverage before the next storm.

Get a quote from Edmonds Insurance

Call (425) 555-0100 or request a quote online. Our Edmonds office is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, at 7523 220th St SW.