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    Property claims

    Wind damage insurance claims

    If your home is damaged by wind

    File a wind damage claim online or call us at 1-800-421-3535. Please have your policy number handy, as well as your telephone number and/or email address.
    • Wind damaged houses can let water inside. If windows, doors or skylights have been broken, and it is safe to do so cover them with tarps or plywood to prevent rain damage inside your home. Be sure to save all repair receipts.
    • Don’t start permanent, major repairs or renovations until you have spoken with your Nationwide claims associate.
    • Take inventory and retain any belongings that may have been destroyed or damaged, noting the brand, price and other details.
    • If safe to do so, take pictures of any damage. However, let your claims associate or roofing professional photograph roof damage.
    • If you have pictures of your home before the damage, include them with your insurance claim.
    • If this loss causes your home to be unlivable, we may help cover your additional living expenses.

    Preventing further wind damage

    • If you suspect possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards, shut off (or have your utility provider shut off) electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
    • Cover broken windows and doors with tarps, heavy plastic or plywood to prevent further damage. Save repair receipts for reimbursement.
    • When handling or walking on or near debris, wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves. Most post-storm homeowner injuries are caused by exposed nails and broken glass.

    Repairing and cleaning up wind damaged property

    • Fallen trees or large branches are best removed by a professional tree service. This service may be covered depending on your policy coverage and any applicable limits. Keep any invoices to be discussed with claims associate.

    How Nationwide’s wind damage insurance claim process works

     
    A Nationwide claims associate will contact you to:
    • Review your insurance policy
    • Determine damages that will be covered
    • Help determine next steps in documenting damages to your property

    Some claims may be settled over the phone. Otherwise, a claims associate may inspect your property and estimate the cost to repair the damage.

    Any payment you receive is based on the coverage you’ve purchased and the severity of the damage, minus your applicable policy deductible.

    Arranging for repairs

    • If your property sustains storm damage, you will likely need a contractor and/or roofer to make repairs.
    • For repairs, select one from our On Your Side® Property Repair Network or you’re free to find your own contractor. Contact your claims associate for additional information.
    • Most contractors are honest, but some use fraudulent practices. Here are some tips to help avoid contractor fraud:
      • Watch for high pressure sales tactics: Be wary of a contractor that shows up unannounced or tries to rush you to make a “now-or-never” decision.
      • Use only licensed and insured contractors: Check with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and verify they are licensed in your area.
      • Don’t sign an incomplete contract: Never sign a contract with blank spaces or one that is otherwise incomplete.
      • Submit the claim yourself: Contractor’s shouldn’t submit insurance claims on your behalf.
      • Only pay after the work is finished: Never pay or sign completion agreements until all the work has been completed.
    • If you suspect contractor fraud, contact local law enforcement, call the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 1-800-TEL-NICB, or call the FEMA disaster fraud hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

    Help protect your home from wind damage

    If your home is in an area where damaging winds are common, these wind protection suggestions can help reinforce your home against nature’s blusters.
    • Replace heavy landscaping materials like gravel and rock with lighter mulch or shredded bark.
    • Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed, particularly tree branches that could fall on your home.
    • Make sure that both your roof shingles or tiles, and the sheathing they attach to, can withstand high winds.

    Protecting windows is a priority

    • Consider permanent storm shutters if you live in an area where you’ll need to act quickly to protect from high winds.
    • Shutters may be manually operated and motor-driven. If motor-driven, make sure they also can be operated manually if the power fails.
    • While permanent storm shutters can usually be closed quickly and easily, temporary plywood covers are an economical option and can be put up fairly quickly.

    Other areas warrant protection

    • Have a professional reinforce your garage door with permanent wood, metal stiffeners or temporary supports you can attach and remove easily when severe weather threatens.
    • Remove or securely anchor loose objects outside that could be picked up and blown about, including trash cans, grills and deck furniture.
    Need to file a business claim?
    Visit the business claims center. Or call us at 1-800-421-3535.

    Each claim is handled on the basis of its individual facts and circumstances, in accordance with policy language, including applicable exclusions, conditions and limitations, as well as applicable controlling law.

    The information contained on this page is intended to provide insight into our property claims process. Product, coverage, discounts, insurance terms, definitions and other descriptions are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in your individual insurance contracts, policies, and/or declaration pages from Nationwide-affiliated underwriting companies, which are controlling. Such products, coverages, terms and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply.