Georgia’s named-storm exposure is wider than people think
The Golden Isles and Chatham County face direct coastal threats, but storms that make landfall in Florida often keep their strength as they cross south and east Georgia. Pine-heavy landscapes mean those winds bring trees down onto roofs across Lowndes, Dougherty, Coffee, Ware and Richmond counties. A single storm can generate tens of thousands of claims, and estimates written during a surge are often thin.
Issues specific to hurricane claims
- Named-storm or hurricane deductibles that apply a percentage of Coverage A instead of a flat amount.
- Wind versus flood. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood; damage from rising water belongs to a separate NFIP or private flood policy. We separate wind-driven rain entering through a damaged envelope from surface water.
- Tree impacts — structural repairs, crane removal, and the debris removal sub-limit.
- Extended displacement and additional living expense when contractor shortages push repairs out for months.
- Demand surge pricing — labor and material costs that spike after a major storm and may not be reflected in an estimate priced before the spike.
How we handle storm-surge workloads
After a major event we prioritize properties with active leaks or safety issues, and we document every property the same way: drone or ladder roof photos, interior moisture mapping, a dated photo log and an independent estimate priced at post-storm rates. That consistency is what holds up in front of an umpire months later.
Frequently asked questions
Is wind-driven rain covered?
Generally, interior water damage is covered when wind first creates an opening in the roof or walls that lets rain in. Rain that seeps in without a storm-created opening is often excluded.
Can appraisal split wind and flood damage?
Appraisal under your homeowners policy values the wind portion. Flood policies have their own appraisal process. Overlap is common, so documentation that separates the two is essential.
Does a hurricane deductible apply to tornadoes spun off by the storm?
It depends on the policy wording. Some named-storm deductibles cover all wind during the storm’s window; others are narrower. Read the endorsement or send it to us.