Spring in Ohio is beautiful… but let’s be honest! It’s also windy. Over the past few years, we have seen a noticeable increase in wind and hail claims. Stronger spring storm systems, quick temperature swings, and severe weather patterns have led to more roof damage than ever before. And when those big gusts roll through, your roof is usually the first thing to take the hit!
So the big question is:
Does your homeowners insurance cover wind damage?
The short answer: Yes but it depends on your policy. In Ohio, HO-3 and HO-5 policies include wind and hail coverage but your specific coverage will vary from one policy to another due to things like actual cash value coverage and separate wind deductibles. Let’s break it down:
✅ 1. Most Standard Policies Cover Wind But Not Everything!
In Ohio, wind damage is typically covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. That includes things like:
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Shingles blown off
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Structural roof damage from a tree falling on it
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Siding damage from wind
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Interior damage caused by wind-driven rain
However, coverage depends on the cause of loss. Insurance covers sudden and accidental storm damage, not wear and tear, age, installation or maintenance issues.
If your roof was already deteriorating before the storm, that may change how a claim is handled and coverage could potentially be denied.
💨 2. Many Companies Now Require a Separate Deductible for Wind & Hail
This is something we’re seeing more often across all of our companies. Instead of a flat $1,000 deductible, some companies now apply a percentage deductible specifically for wind and hail claims. That means your deductible could be 1%–2% (or more) of your home’s insured value.
For example: If your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 1% wind deductible, that’s a $3,000 out-of-pocket expense before coverage kicks in.
Other companies require higher deductibles for Wind & Hail but they might not be a % of your Dwelling coverage. For example, your normal deductible might be $1000 but the Wind & Hail deductible could be a mandatory $2500. We’re seeing companies increase this deductible at renewal as your roof ages.
Many homeowners don’t realize this change until they file a claim. It’s important to know what your policy says before a storm hits. Be sure to open your renewal packet each and every year to check for changes to coverage and your deductible.
🏠 3. Roof Age Matters
Roofs over 10-12 years old are becoming harder to insure. Some of our carriers will not accept a roof over 12 years old and others will but mandate that separate deductible or only offer Actual Cash Value coverage for older roofs. This can be frustrating when you’ve purchased a roof to last 20 or 30 years but the insurance company is saying they won’t cover it!
Some of our insurance companies:
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Limit roof coverage after 10–15 years and increase deductibles
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Only offer Actual Cash Value (ACV) instead of Replacement Cost
💰 Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Replacement Cost coverage pays what it costs to replace your roof today with similar materials without deducting for age or wear (minus your deductible, of course).
Actual Cash Value (ACV) is different. It factors in depreciation. In simple terms, ACV = replacement cost minus age and wear.
Example:
If it would cost $15,000 to replace your roof today, but your roof is 12 years old and has depreciated by 50%, the insurance company may only pay around $7,500 (before your deductible).Tack on that mandatory $3000 deductible we talked about before and you could be looking at a check to replace your entire roof that is only $4500! That can leave a significant out-of-pocket expense you just weren’t expecting.
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Require inspections before binding coverage
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Decline coverage altogether on older roofs
If your roof is aging, this can impact both your premium and your claim payout.
🆕 4. Got a New Roof? Tell Us!
This is one of the easiest ways to potentially save money. If you’ve replaced your roof and haven’t updated your policy, you could be missing out on a discount or saving yourself from mandatory ACV coverage. Many companies offer better rates and coverage for newer roofs because they reduce claim risk. Plus, updating that roof year on your policy keeps that pesky ACV endorsement at bay and keeps your Replacement Coverage in place.
If you’ve recently replaced yours let us know! (513) 831-4544
🤔 5. Not All Roof Claims Should Be Filed
This is a big one. If damage is minor and close to your deductible amount, filing a claim may not make financial sense, especially with today’s underwriting trends.
We’re always happy to talk through:
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Estimated repair costs
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Your deductible
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Long-term impact on premiums
Sometimes the best move is gathering information before submitting a claim. In today’s insurance market, thoughtful decisions matter. We’re here to walk through it with you before any paperwork starts flying.
📞 6. Call Us Before You Call Anyone Else
After a storm, you may have shady roofers knocking on your door offering “free inspections.” Before allowing anyone on your roof, scheduling repairs, filing a claim, or signing anything call us first.
We’ll help you:
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Review your coverage and your deductible.
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Talk through your damage and how to handle it
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Determine whether filing a claim makes sense
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Avoid unnecessary claim activity
We always recommend getting a trusted roofer on your roof to do an inspection after a storm. This can avoid vandalism from a shady roofer just looking for a paycheck. If you don’t have a trusted roofer, ask friends or family or make a post on social media asking for recommendations. Always check Google reviews before signing a contract with any contractor.
📸 7. Documentation Is Everything After a Storm
If you suspect wind damage:
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Take photos once it’s safe to do so
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Call our office for direction
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Keep receipts for temporary repairs
The more documentation you have, the smoother the process.
🔎 8. Home Checks Can Prevent Claim Headaches
We recommend homeowners visually inspect their roofs and siding after every major storm and once your roof starts aging, have a professional inspection done by a trusted roofer to avoid potential leaks before they start. Before purchasing a new home we recommend having a inspection done to make sure there are no hidden issues that could pop up after signing the paperwork.
Catching loose shingles or flashing issues early can prevent interior water damage later and insurance won’t cover damage that happens over time due to neglect. They also won’t cover losses from the prior homeowner either. Remember: a loss has to be sudden and accidental. Not a build up over time and not due to aging roofs.
🌦️ 9. Ohio Spring Storms Are Getting Stronger
Over the last several years, we’ve seen more frequent severe weather events across Ohio including stronger windstorms, large hail, and increased tornado activity. In fact, the National Weather Service thinks Tornado Alley is moving east. This could potentially cause higher insurance premiums over time as more losses occur in the Ohio Valley and insurance companies have to make up for it.
Storm systems are producing higher wind speeds and more widespread damage than in the past. In just the last few years we’ve seen our largest amount of straight line wind claims in the month of March. Way before time for April showers and tornado season! That increase in claims is one reason insurance companies are tightening guidelines and adjusting deductibles.
We can’t control the weather but we can make sure you’re prepared for it.
🏡 10. The Best Time to Review Your Coverage Is Before the Storm
The worst time to discover a coverage gap is after wind damage happens.
A quick policy review can confirm:
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Your wind/hail deductible
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Whether you have replacement cost coverage or ACV
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How your roof age affects your policy
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Whether you’re eligible for discounts
We’re Here to Help
Spring storms are part of life in Ohio. Making sure your home is protected doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you’re unsure about your wind coverage, roof age, or deductible — let’s take a look together.
📞 Call us (513) 831-4544
📧 Send us a message
💻 Or request a policy review online
We’re here to help you stay protected before the wind starts blowing.