In Virginia, a roof claim after a storm is decided by your insurer and your policy. Wind or hurricane deductibles may be a flat sum or a percentage of dwelling coverage, and they apply separately. Homeowners policies generally do not cover flood or storm surge. The State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance handles complaints.
Key takeaways
- Your policy and your insurer decide any claim.
- Wind or hurricane deductibles may be a flat sum or a percentage of dwelling coverage.
- Virginia law does not bar insurers from wind or hurricane deductibles.
- Homeowners policies generally exclude flood, surface water and surge.
- Flood cover is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.
- The State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance is the regulator and complaint route.
How do wind and hurricane deductibles work in Virginia?
Virginia law does not bar insurers from wind or hurricane deductibles. They may be a flat sum or a percentage of the dwelling coverage, and they generally apply separately from the standard deductible.
Read the declarations page of your policy to find which type applies. This guide does not print a deductible figure, because the policy decides it.
Is flood damage covered by a homeowners policy?
Homeowners policies in Virginia generally do not cover flood, surface water or storm surge. Flood cover is available through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is separate from a standard policy.
If water came in from the outside after a storm, ask your insurer which cause applies before you assume the policy covers it. The cause decides the answer.
What should I do before the adjuster visits?
Photograph the damage, keep the damaged pieces if they are safe to keep, and get temporary cover on the roof where needed. Keep receipts for those steps, because they are part of the record of the loss.
A technician's written findings help the claim. Ask for them to be dated and to describe what was seen on the day.
- Photograph the roof, the yard and every ceiling stain
- Keep any damaged material that is safe to keep
- Arrange temporary cover and keep the receipt
- Ask for the technician's findings in writing
Who do I contact if I have a complaint about my insurer?
The State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance is the regulator for insurers in Virginia. It handles consumer complaints about insurers, and it is the route to use if a dispute is not resolved with the company.
The Bureau's complaint process is the independent route. This guide does not state deadlines or time limits for filing a claim; check your policy and the Bureau's own guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Does my Virginia homeowners policy cover a roof leak from a storm?
It depends on the cause and the policy. Your insurer decides. A roof leak from wind is often treated differently from water that rose from the ground.
What is a percentage deductible?
A percentage deductible is a share of the dwelling coverage on your policy, applied to a wind or hurricane loss. The declarations page shows the exact figure.
Does flood insurance come with my homeowners policy?
Homeowners policies in Virginia generally do not cover flood or surge. Flood cover is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and is bought separately.
Who regulates insurers in Virginia?
The State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance regulates insurers and takes consumer complaints.
Sources
This guide is general information for Gloucester County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.