Wind Damage Coverage: What You Need to Know
Wind damage coverage is an essential part of protecting your Ontario home, especially during the unpredictable storm seasons we see across Southern Ontario. From fallen trees and missing shingles to roof repairs and debris cleanup, windstorms can cause serious headaches. Knowing what’s covered, what to do, and how to file a claim can help you protect your property and your peace of mind.
Let’s walk through what wind damage insurance includes, how to stay safe during a storm, and what steps to take after the wind dies down.
Does My Home Insurance Cover Wind Damage?
Wind is generally included under standard property insurance policies in Ontario, especially if you carry a comprehensive homeowners plan. That said, coverage can vary depending on your insurer, your policy, and even your roof’s age and condition.
Wind damage caused by fallen trees or torn-off shingles is often covered. However, if damage results from poor maintenance or wear and tear, your claim may be denied or reduced.
Some things to keep in mind:
- If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, depreciation may reduce your settlement. Many carriers are beginning to depreciate roof settlements due to windstorm damage once the roof reaches 10-11 years of age.
- Damage to landscaping or detached items (e.g., satellite dishes, antennas) may not be covered.
- You may be responsible for deductible costs or non-insured items like tree removal.
Not sure what your policy includes? The best way to confirm your coverage is by speaking with a local broker. PetleyHare can help you review your current policy and explain exactly what your home insurance protects against.
What Does Wind Insurance Cover?
Most comprehensive home insurance policies include wind damage coverage, but not all policies are created equal. Wind insurance may cover a wide range of storm-related issues, including:
- Damage to your roof, siding, or windows
- Structural damage caused by fallen trees or debris
- Water damage resulting from wind-driven rain (if it enters through storm damage)
- Detached garage or shed damage (if listed on your policy)
But here’s the catch: older roofs, poor maintenance, and specific exclusions can impact your claim. Some insurers may only pay actual cash value for damaged roofing materials instead of full replacement cost, especially if your roof is more than 15 years old.
Understanding Wind Damage Roof Insurance Claims
When it comes to wind damage roof insurance claims, your roof’s age and condition play a huge role in how much you receive. Here’s what usually happens:
- You document damage with photos (before any temporary fixes).
- Your broker helps you file a claim.
- An adjuster or contractor visits your property to assess the damage.
- You receive a settlement offer based on the cost of repairs or replacement, minus any depreciation (if applicable).
- Repairs begin with approved contractors.
Proactive maintenance matters. Keeping your roof in good shape helps avoid issues and supports a smoother claim experience.
For added protection, consider bundling your home and auto policies with PetleyHare. Our auto and home insurance bundle can offer extra savings and storm coverage peace of mind.
What Should I Do to Stay Safe?
When high winds are in the forecast, your priority should always be safety. Here’s how to protect your family and home during a storm:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- Don’t touch or move downed power lines.
- If power is out, use flashlights—not candles.
- Unplug sensitive electronics in case of surges.
- Avoid driving during windstorms.
Quick safety prep checklist:
- Charge your phone and backup batteries
- Secure patio furniture and garden tools
- Park vehicles away from trees and power lines
- Stock up on flashlights, bottled water, and basic food supplies
- Check emergency numbers and your insurance info
If you’re dealing with damage after a storm, your local team at Port Perry or Oshawa can help walk you through the next steps.
How Do I Dispose of Debris After a Windstorm?
After a major windstorm, your yard might be littered with shingles, tree branches, or damaged personal items. So, how do you safely and properly dispose of debris?
- Check with your municipality. Most offer special pickups after a major storm.
- Separate yard waste from construction debris.
- Bundle and bag small items to avoid delays in pickup.
For large items like downed trees, your insurer may cover the removal from your property if the tree landed on a covered structure. But removing it from the curb is often your responsibility.
Always take photos of everything you dispose of, including broken furniture, flooring samples, or damaged electronics, to support your wind damage claims. These can make all the difference during the claims process.
Need help navigating this? We can walk you through what's covered and what to keep for documentation.
How Do I Prevent Further Wind Damage to My Home?
You can’t stop Mother Nature, but you can prepare your property to withstand strong winds.
Before a storm:
- Secure eavestroughs and downspouts
- Trim overhanging branches
- Anchor sheds, gazebos, or other light structures
- Reinforce garage doors
- Store or tie down patio furniture
After a storm, inspect for loose shingles or cracked siding. Small repairs now can prevent bigger claims later.
Does Car Insurance Cover Wind Damage?
The short answer: yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage.
If a tree falls on your parked car or flying debris breaks a window, comprehensive auto insurance will typically cover the repairs or replacement costs. This applies to wind, hail, and other weather-related events. Without comprehensive coverage, you’ll likely be paying out-of-pocket.
Want to make sure you're covered? Talk to your broker about your auto insurance options.
How to File a Wind Damage Claim
If you’ve experienced property or auto damage after a storm, here’s how to file a wind damage claim through your insurance:
- Document everything – Take photos of the damage before starting cleanup or repairs.
- Prevent further damage – Board up windows, shut off water if needed.
- Call your broker – Reach out to the PetleyHare office.
- Submit your claim – Your broker or insurer will guide you through online or phone submission.
- Work with the adjuster – They’ll assess the damage and help determine next steps.
- Get repairs underway – Insurer-approved contractors or reimbursement options may be offered.
PetleyHare clients get personalized support through every step of the claims process. You’re never just a number—we’re here to advocate for you and make sure your recovery is smooth.
What’s Not Covered Under Wind Insurance?
It’s just as important to know what’s not covered by wind insurance. Here are some common exclusions you should be aware of:
- Wear and Tear – Damage to a roof or siding due to age or poor maintenance may not be covered.
- Rot, Mould, or Long-Term Damage – Insurance is meant for sudden events, not ongoing issues.
- Detached items – Satellite dishes, antennas, and lawn decorations may be excluded.
- Uninsurable structures – Older sheds or unpermitted buildings may not be protected.
Wondering what wind insurance covers in your case? It depends on your policy, your home’s condition, and your insurer. That’s why it’s smart to review your plan regularly with a broker who understands local risks.
Protect Your Property with the Right Coverage
Windstorms aren’t just a spring or fall problem; they can happen any time. That’s why having the right wind damage coverage is key to protecting your property year-round.
At PetleyHare, we’ve been helping Ontario homeowners for over 100 years. We work with trusted Canadian insurers like Intact, Gore Mutual, and CAA to provide smart coverage that fits your life.
Need a fresh policy? Have questions about your roof? Looking to bundle and save?
Get a quote today or talk to a local broker in Oshawa or Port Perry. We're here to help—before, during, and after the storm.