How do you check your homeowners insurance for wind damage coverage?

1. Is wind covered at all?

Most Georgia homeowners policies cover windstorm. Look in the forms list for anything titled windstorm or hail exclusion; that is more common near the coast, where wind may be insured separately.

2. The deductible

Find the line for wind and hail, windstorm, hurricane or named storm. A percentage is figured on your Coverage A limit. See percentage deductibles.

3. How the roof is paid

Replacement cost pays the full approved cost once the roof is replaced. Actual cash value or a roof payment schedule pays less as the roof ages, and that reduction is not paid back.

4. Exclusions and endorsements

• Cosmetic damage exclusions, usually aimed at hail on metal, sometimes at wind too.
• The rain rule: rain inside is covered only if wind first made an opening.
• Ordinance or law coverage for code upgrades, if any.

5. Limits

Compare Coverage A with today's rebuilding cost, and note Coverage B for fences and sheds and Coverage D for living expenses.

Check for changes

Georgia requires insurers to send a separate written notice when they reduce coverage at renewal. If you received one, read what changed.

Questions for your agent

• What would I pay out of pocket on a $15,000 wind roof claim?
• Is my roof on replacement cost?
• Does anything limit wind damage to siding or fences?

Then read how wind roof claims work.