By SPJ Adjusting Services | Insurance Appraisals
Wind Damage Versus Flood Damage: What to Know in Arlington Before Filing a Claim
Powerful storms periodically pass-through Arlington, TX, and leave destruction in the forms of ripped roofs to rising floodwaters in their wake. Among the most common questions one can find from homeowners and business owners after a storm has passed includes:
Should I file a wind damage claim, a flood damage claim, or both?
The answer is never as clear cut. Filing the wrong type of claim could delay your recovery or even lead to a denial. Let’s break down the difference between wind and flood damage claims, along with how to make certain you get the coverage you deserve.
Understanding Wind Damage Claims
Wind damage is generally covered under most standard homeowner’s or commercial property insurance policies. High winds can tear through an area, causing severe physical damage to your property, including:
- Shingles torn off or dislodged from the roof
- Windows shattered by flying debris
- Damage to the structure or siding caused by strong wind pressure
Pro Tip: If water enters your home because the wind created an opening-e.g., a broken window or roof-that water damage often falls under your wind claim, not a flood claim.
Wind damage coverage is designed to cover the immediate impact of the storm, which includes anything directly caused by the wind or debris that is carried.
What Counts as Flood Damage?
It is important to note that flooding is generally excluded under standard property insurance policies. You will require a separate NFIP policy or a private flood insurance plan if you want to be covered against damages caused by flooding.
Flood damage is generally water damage from:
- Heavy rain or continued storms that cause rising water
- Overflowing rivers, creeks, or other nearby bodies of water
- Storm surge or standing water after the storm
In case the water entered your home without any wind-created opening, for instance, if the rising groundwater seeped through the foundation, then that is considered flood damage, and you’ll be filing under your flood policy.
The Gray Area: Wind vs. Flood, Who Pays?
Most insurance disputes after a major Texas storm revolve around a single question: Was it wind or was it flood that caused the damage? It matters because it determines which policy pays.
Wind Damage → Covered under homeowner’s or commercial policy
Flood Damage → Covered under NFIP or private flood policy
Unfortunately, insurance companies try to shift the blame elsewhere. Wind insurers claim it was due to flooding, while the flood insurers argue that it began with wind. Meanwhile, homeowners are left in the middle, waiting for answers and a payment.
How SPJ Adjusting Services Helps Arlington Policyholders
At SPJ Adjusting Services, we understand just how confusing and stressful storm damage claims can be. Our experienced insurance appraisal and adjusting team steps in to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Here’s how we help Arlington homeowners and business owners after a storm:
Independent Damage Investigation: We determine whether your losses were caused by wind, flood, or both.
Evidence Collection: We gather engineering reports, meteorological data, and eyewitness statements to support your claim.
Claim Strategy: We walk you through filing the correct type of claim to avoid expensive mistakes and ensure the largest possible payout.
Negotiation & Appraisal: We represent your interests in the appraisal or umpire process when insurers underpay or dispute coverage.
You deserve clarity, not confusion, and fair treatment, not denial.
Common Questions About Wind and Flood Claims
1. Can I file both a wind and a flood claim?
Yes, you can file separate claims if your property sustained both types of damage and you have both policies to cover each loss type.
2. How do I prove whether wind or flood caused the damage?
It is all about documentation and expert reports. The evidence required to establish the primary cause can be collected by a licensed public adjuster or appraiser.
3. What if my insurer denies my claim?
You don’t have to accept it. SPJ Adjusting Services can help review your claim and dispute unfair denials through the appraisal process.
Final Thoughts
Knowing whether your damage was caused by wind or flood can make all the difference when trying to recover from storms that strike Arlington. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of the confusion; get help from experts who know exactly how to fight for your fair settlement.
If you are unsure of what your next step is, SPJ Adjusting Services will be there to help guide you throughout the process.
