Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | April 3, 2025 | Personal Injury
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, West Virginia has been hit by at least 36 hurricanes since the 1950s. These natural disasters have involved winds as high as 130 mph and rainfall up to 15 inches. These conditions can cause significant property damage, both inside and outside the home.
If you have renters’ insurance, you might wonder how this affects your rights and property. The short answer is that it may cover at least some of the damage. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Renters’ Insurance?
Renters’ insurance is a type of insurance product that protects people who rent real property rather than own it. Allstate explains that its renters’ insurance policy provides three types of protections:
- Personal property: The cost to repair or replace belongings that are damaged or stolen
- Liability: Costs to pay for a guest’s medical bills if they are injured on your property
- Additional living expenses: Additional costs you incur, such as hotel bills, if your residence is damaged and left uninhabitable
If a hurricane causes damages that are provided under your policy, your renters’ insurance may cover the associated costs up to your policy limits.
Does Renters’ Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?
Renters’ insurance does not typically explicitly state that it will cover damage caused by hurricanes. However, it will typically protect a renter’s possessions from the damage associated with a hurricane. Check with your insurer to see what the terms of your specific policy are.
Notably, renters’ insurance does not usually include flood insurance unless you have purchased an additional policy or have a flood rider with your renter’s insurance policy, such as through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Coverable Hurricane-Related Damages
Hurricanes are natural disasters that can do considerable harm to a property. Some types of damage from a hurricane that could be covered under your renters’ insurance policy could include:
- Lightning that causes a fire, or that causes a tree to strike your rented property
- Wind that damages the roof on your rental or causes items to fall on your rented property
- Water damage not caused by flooding, such as rain that enters a hole in the roof caused by the hurricane
Theft and vandalism can also sometimes follow hurricanes, which might also be covered by your policy.
How To Make an Insurance Claim
If you have sustained property damage due to a hurricane and believe you have insurance that covers your losses, you can take these steps to initiate your insurance claim:
- Take pictures of the damage to your rental property and personal property.
- Write down specific details about the storm and your property damage.
- Contact your claims adjuster and file a claim.
- Prepare the requested forms and submit them to the insurance company in the time provided.
- Search for receipts or ask the retail outlet for a duplicate receipt for your damaged property.
- Search for property values similar to what was damaged.
An experienced lawyer can assist you with this process. You should not accept a settlement until you at least consult with an attorney so you don’t inadvertently settle your case for less than you deserve or forfeit your legal rights.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Case Review
Damage from hurricanes and severe storms can be catastrophic. If you are facing a dispute with your insurance company or have questions about your rights and the value of your claim, a personal injury attorney may be able to assist. Set up a free consultation with a qualified lawyer near you today.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
