When storm damage affects your Ocala home, acting quickly is essential for protecting your property and maximizing insurance coverage. Many homeowners are surprised to discover that standard insurance policies don’t cover floodwater damage, and specific hurricane deductibles may apply to storm claims. At All Home Roofing, we specialize in helping Ocala residents through post-storm recovery, providing expert guidance for insurance claims and proper home restoration.
Essential Storm Damage Response: What Ocala Homeowners Need to Know
- Document all damage thoroughly with photos and videos before touching anything or making temporary repairs
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage (Florida law requires insurers to acknowledge receipt within 14 days)
- Make only temporary repairs to prevent further damage and keep all receipts
- Understand the difference between wind-driven rain damage (typically covered) and flood damage (requires separate insurance)
- Consider hiring a licensed roofing contractor or public adjuster to provide a thorough assessment of damage
- Be aware that Florida has specific timelines for filing claims—most residential policyholders must give notice within one year of the date of loss
All Home Roofing helps Ocala homeowners navigate storm damage and insurance claims after severe weather strikes. This guide provides our expert advice for an effective response.
Immediate Safety Assessment After Storm Damage in Ocala
After a storm, safety must be your first priority before beginning documentation or repairs.
- Be cautious of downed power lines and compromised structures
- Watch for fallen branches, exposed wires, and slippery surfaces
- Stay clear of standing water and check for structural issues
- If you suspect gas leaks, leave immediately and contact emergency services
- Find alternative lodging if your home has significant damage
Professionals should assess your home’s stability before you fully return after severe damage.
Essential Tools and Materials Every Ocala Homeowner Needs
Having the right emergency supplies ready before disaster strikes can make all the difference after a storm hits.
- Documentation Tools: Digital camera, notebook for recording damage
- Emergency Protection: Tarps , plywood, roofing nails, hammer
- Safety Gear: Heavy gloves, hard hat, sturdy boots
- Communication Equipment: Charged power banks, emergency contact list
- Important Documents: Insurance policies in waterproof containers
Covering damaged areas quickly prevents insurance companies from denying claims due to secondary damage.
Step 1: Document Everything Before Making Temporary Repairs
Proper documentation is essential before starting any repairs after storm damage. We recommend:
- Take clear photos from multiple angles of all affected areas
- Capture video footage of the damage
- Note the date and time when damage occurred
- Create an inventory of all damaged items
- Pay special attention to roof damage
This documentation is crucial as insurance adjusters may not arrive for several days.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
After documenting damage, promptly contact your insurance provider to start your claim process.
- Florida law requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 14 days
- Have your policy number, damage photos, and home status information ready
- Ask about temporary repairs guidance and relocation benefits
- Understand your hurricane deductible for named storms
- Record all conversations with dates, representative names and discussion details
Document everything in writing to create a clear record of your claim process.
Step 3: Secure Your Property with Emergency Repairs
After documenting damage and contacting your insurer, take immediate steps to prevent further property damage.
- Use tarps to cover damaged roof areas, extending over the ridge with proper anchoring
- Remove debris from gutters to prevent water from backing up under the roofing
- Board up broken windows and doors, and secure loose siding
- Track all expenses and keep receipts for emergency work
- Avoid permanent repairs until discussing with your claim representative
In Ocala’s climate, quick temporary repairs prevent mold problems while you wait for your insurance company to approve restoration work.
Understanding Storm Damage Insurance Coverage in Florida
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from wind, rain, and hail during a hurricane, but Florida insurers often have separate deductibles or exclusions for windstorms. Key coverage types include:
- Wind Damage: Damaged roofs, broken windows, and torn siding from strong winds (typically covered)
- Flood Damage: Requires separate flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program or a private company.
- Structural Damage: Foundation cracks or wall shifts caused by storm forces
Review your homeowners policy for exclusions like “anti-concurrent clauses” that may deny claims if uncovered flood damage worsens wind damage. Recent Florida legislation changed the 25% roof replacement rule. If your roof meets the 2007 Florida Building Code and can be repaired, insurers may not cover full replacement.
When to Call Professional Storm Damage Contractors
Call licensed contractors immediately when:
- Your roof has visible structural damage, missing shingles, or leaks
- Water has penetrated your ceiling or walls
- Windows or doors are broken or no longer function properly
- Electrical systems have been exposed to water
- Large trees or limbs have fallen on your property
- Mold begins developing (which can happen quickly in Ocala’s climate)
Even without visible signs, storms can cause hidden issues that worsen over time, making professional roof inspection essential. In Ocala’s humid climate, getting professional help quickly prevents secondary damage that might not be covered by insurance.
Choosing Licensed Roofing Contractors in Ocala
A licensed roofing contractor can provide a thorough damage assessment. Check your policy to understand coverage, deductibles, and exclusions. When selecting a roofing professional in Ocala:
- Verify Florida licensing and insurance
- Check experience with storm damage specifically
- Ask for local storm-related work references
- Ensure experience with insurance claims
- Get multiple written estimates for comparison
Be wary of “storm chasers” who appear after severe weather but may be unavailable for warranty work later. For your protection, never pay the full amount upfront; a reasonable deposit with payments as work progresses is standard practice.
Troubleshooting Common Insurance Claim Issues
Even with thorough documentation, you may face challenges with storm damage claims:
- Denied Claims: Request a written explanation, and remember Florida law provides rights to appeal denial decisions
- Insufficient Settlements: You can dispute offers through additional documentation, third-party appraisals, or legal assistance
- Delays: Florida insurers must decide within 30 days of proof of loss and pay valid claims within 90 days
- Cause Disputes: Accompany the adjuster to ensure all issues, seen or hidden, are documented.
Consider hiring a public adjuster if facing resistance. Florida law offers free mediation and impartial evaluation for disputed claims.
Storm Damage Prevention for Future Weather Events
All Home Roofing suggests taking these preventative measures to protect your Ocala home before disaster strikes:
- Schedule roof inspections twice yearly and after severe weather
- Trim trees regularly to prevent wind-blown debris and falling limbs
- Install impact-resistant windows and reinforced roofing materials
- Create a home inventory with photos of valuable items
- Review and update your insurance coverage annually
These simple steps can significantly reduce storm damage and may lower your insurance premiums. Contact All Home Roofing for a professional roof inspection today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storm Damage Claims
How does storm damage insurance work in Florida?
Most Florida homeowners’ policies cover windstorm damage from high winds, tornadoes, and debris, but do not cover flooding—a separate flood policy is required. All Home Roofing guides Ocala clients through hurricane deductibles, which typically range from 2 to 10% of the home’s value and apply only when the National Weather Service declares a named hurricane. These specialized deductibles differ from standard policy deductibles.
What should you do immediately after storm damage to your house?
After a storm, ensure your home is structurally sound and avoid hazards like downed power lines before entering. We advise Ocala homeowners to document all damage with photos, contact their insurance company immediately, make only temporary repairs, save all receipts, and preserve damaged items until the adjuster’s inspection is complete. Acting quickly yet methodically protects both your property and your insurance claim.
Can you claim storm damage if you don’t have flood insurance?
Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage; however, wind-driven rain damage is often covered, while rising water isn’t. Florida homeowners are required to have separate flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers. Contact All Home Roofing to determine if your damage qualifies under your existing policy.