Winter and spring storms can often include tornado activity in many southern states. In a recent news interview even an insurance company adjuster admits that many insurance loss damages from tornadoes are often overlooked. Policyholders should educate themselves of the various items to look for and how to detect subtle damage which could be very costly and show up months or years after the tornado is long gone.

Recently many Huntsville, AL neighborhoods found themselves in the path of a EF-2 tornado on January 28, 2010. Although most people agree that damage created by tornadoes are not difficult to see, even insurance adjusters and engineers can miss hidden damages, as they fail to look closely.

A thorough insurance loss inspection by a insurance claim consultant or independent insurance appraiser is suggested. Too many policyholders take their adjusters word for it, without getting a second opinion. This should almost never happen. Protect yourself and your home by educating yourself on these few wind damage inspection tips.

Plumbing: High winds can shake or rack your home or building. Policyholders should turn on all faucets in bathrooms and kitchens, then open all cabinets after a few minutes to check the plumbing lines for leaks. Flush all toilets and run all baths and showers as well. Look at the ceilings below for water stains.

Roofing/Siding: Often an insurance loss involving high winds may not have appeared to damage the roof when you look up there. However, it’s a good idea to inspect the roof for cracks, gouges or tears on the roof shingles from flying debris. High winds can also rip, tear, and crack many types of siding. Such affects on the siding and roof can allow water entry.

Windows & Gutters: Wind and flying debris can crack window glass, rip screens, and dent gutters.

Brick & Foundations: Check all masonry and rick for cracks or separations. An insurance loss by very high winds can sometimes cause shifting and uplift to footings and foundations. Check the interior and exterior perimeter of your crawlspace. Severe masonry damages can often be hidden.

Interior: High wind loads can cause stress cracks in the corners of walls. Stress cracking can also be noted above doors and window openings. It’s a good idea to check for settling of floors and shifting of walls by using a level. Over the following days and weeks it’s also recommended to keep an eye out for water stains and/or yellowing on walls and ceilings. Such stains could indicate hidden roof leaks.

In 2006, State Farm insurance company and their engineers at Haag have even been sued for failing to recognize such damages for insurance loss claims following high winds and tornadoes. CNN reported “State Farm Penalized in Suit Over Tornado Claims :”

State Farm acted “recklessly” and “with malice” in handling insurance claims from dozens of families whose homes were damaged when a wave of tornadoes, including the strongest in recorded history, swept through Oklahoma in 1999, a jury has decided. The verdict…delivered millions to the lead plaintiffs… The jury in the District Court of Grady County, Oklahoma, awarded Donald and Bridget Watkins almost $13 million in total damages for their part in the class action suit against the nation’s largest insurer….

Everyone is well aware that an insurance loss involving a tornado will result in very strong winds. Even those tornadoes that don’t actually “touch-down,” can cause significant wind loads and pressure on buildings. Such winds can push and pull on buildings, causing fasteners and building parts to become highly compromised.

Above all, as stated, call an insurance loss consultant or independent insurance appraiser to inspect your property and be sure your home is safe. Feel free to call Insurance Claims Group, Inc. at 919-669-9111 to have all your insurance loss questions answered.

(C) Joseph Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE - Ph: 919-669-9111 . Get Insurance Loss Help , by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com or http://www.insurance-appraisal-services.com