Storm Damage

More claims & insurance terms

• Statute of Limitations

  The deadline set by state law for suing over a claim, usually running from the date of loss or from the denial. How long it is and when it starts varies by state and by policy wording, so confirm the rule where the loss happened. Missing it can kill an otherwise valid claim.

• Storm Chasing

  Out-of-town crews that follow hail and wind events, knock doors, and often offer to handle the claim for the homeowner. Some do solid work, but they usually leave after the season, so warranty and callbacks are the real risk. Check licensing, insurance, and a local address before signing anything.

• Subrogation

  An insurer's right to recover what it paid from whoever actually caused the loss, such as a careless manufacturer or another driver. It means a closed claim can reopen, so keep your photos and documents after settlement. Recovery usually goes to the paying carrier, and the rules vary by state.

• Subrogation Waiver

  A contract clause in which a party gives up the right to have its insurer pursue the other party (or that party's insurer) after a loss, common in leases and construction contracts. It can block the carrier from recovering what it paid, even when the other party caused the damage. Whether it holds up depends on the contract, the state, and the policy.

• Supplement Approval

  The carrier's written acceptance of extra work and money a contractor asked for after the first estimate. Carriers often accept some items and reject others, and the accepted items should appear on a revised estimate. Get the approval in writing before starting the added work.

• Supplement Denial

  A carrier's refusal of a supplement request, in whole or in part, usually with a line-by-line reason. Denials often rest on coverage, missing documentation, or a pricing disagreement, so read the stated reason before responding. The right next step depends on the policy and the state.

Common questions