Wind can wreak havoc on your home — especially when it takes the form of a tornado. While some tornado damage is minor, like broken windows or snapped tree branches, a Category F5 tornado can have wind speeds over 300 mph and tear a home right off its foundation.

Tornadoes can turn your life upside down fast, but with the proper home insurance, your policy can help cover the cost of repairs and replace items damaged in the storm. Even with coverage, though, not all wind damage is treated equally, and there are some caveats to what your policy will and won’t cover.

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for wind-related damage, like tornadoes. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually covered.

Dwelling coverage. This part of your policy helps cover damage to your home’s actual structure. So, whether a tornado rips off a few shingles or levels the entire house, dwelling coverage can pay for repairs or a rebuild (up to policy limits).

Other structures coverage. This covers repairs or replacement if a tornado damages structures on your property that aren’t attached to your home, like fences, detached garages, or sheds. Most policies cover up to 10% of your total dwelling coverage. So, if your dwelling limit is $500,000, your other structures coverage may cover up to $50,000.

Personal property coverage. This helps pay to replace your belongings, like furniture, electronics, or clothes, if they’re damaged by wind. This coverage is usually between 50% and 70% of your home’s dwelling limit, but you can typically increase it if you need more. Just keep in mind that some items, like jewelry or furs, may have lower payout limits (called sublimits). For example, jewelry may only be covered up to $2,500 unless you add extra insurance.

Loss of use coverage. In some cases, your home may become unlivable due to storm damage. This coverage can pay for temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays, meals, or transportation. Most policies have coverage limits between 10% and 30% of your dwelling coverage for these costs.

Learn more: Homeowners insurance: What it covers and how much you’ll pay

Even if your home insurance policy covers tornado damage, there are still a few common things that policies usually don’t cover. Here are some typical exclusions.

• Flooding. If the storm led to rising water or a storm surge, your standard policy probably won’t cover the damage. You’d need separate flood insurance for that.

• Earth movement. Damage from shifting soil, sinkholes, or earthquakes is usually excluded. For this type of coverage, you’ll need a separate earthquake insurance.

• Wear and tear. Insurance doesn’t cover damage that happens gradually over time due to lack of maintenance. So, if your roof wasn’t properly maintained, any damage to it probably won’t be covered.

• Mold. Mold that forms due to long-term moisture issues or delayed cleanup is typically not covered. Some policies offer limited mold coverage, but you may need to buy extra protection, like a mold rider.

• Pests. Damage caused by pests, like rodents, termites, or insects, isn’t covered, even if they move in while you’re making repairs.

Learn more: What does homeowners insurance not cover?

Here’s how to file a home insurance claim if your home is hit by a tornado:

Many insurance companies let you file a claim by phone, online, or through their app. If you have questions along the way, your insurance agent or a company representative can guide you through the process and help clarify any aspects of your policy or claim.

Take photos and document the damage

Create a list of everything that was damaged, and take photos or videos of both the inside and outside of your home. Hold on to any receipts for things you’ve had to pay for because of the damage — you’ll need to include those when you file your claim.

You’ll want to make quick fixes to prevent further damage, like covering broken windows or patching leaks. Some repairs may be simple, while others might require help from a restoration company. Your insurance company may offer referrals, but you’re free to hire your own.

The insurance company will send an adjuster to estimate the cost of repairs. If possible, don’t throw away any damaged items until they’ve been inspected. Be ready to share a list of damaged belongings, along with any receipts. Having a home inventory can help speed up this part of the process.

Sometimes, tornado damage can make your home unsafe or unlivable until repairs are done, and you may need to find temporary housing. Your insurer may help cover some of those costs, like hotel stays, meals, and other essentials, so be sure to save all your receipts for reimbursement.

From start to finish, filing a claim can feel confusing and stressful, especially if your home has a lot of damage. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to call your insurance company and ask questions.

Learn more: How to file a homeowners insurance claim

A home insurance deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance begins covering any repair or replacement costs.

Depending on your policy, you may have a separate deductible specifically for wind damage. For example, if you live in a tornado-prone area, like states in Tornado Alley (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, or Missouri), your insurance provider may apply a windstorm or named-storm deductible.

Unlike a standard deductible, usually a flat amount between $100 and $5,000, a tornado insurance deductible is based on a percentage of your home’s insured value, typically ranging from 1% to 10%. That means if a tornado damages your home, your out-of-pocket costs could be significant.

If a tornado causes major damage to your home or you’re worried your insurance company isn’t offering a fair payout, you may want to consider hiring a public adjuster.

Unlike the adjuster who works on behalf of your insurer, a public adjuster works for you. Because they’re insurance experts, public adjusters can help review and assess the damage, manage the paperwork, and negotiate with your insurer to increase your settlement. Also, if the claim feels overwhelming or simply too much to manage on your own, especially with significant damage, they can step in to handle some of the details.

Consider hiring a public adjuster if:

• Your home has significant damage or needs to be rebuilt

• Your claim was denied, and you believe that was a mistake

• You don’t have the time or expertise to handle the claims process

• You and the insurance company disagree on the value of the damage

Public adjusters don’t work for free. They usually charge a percentage of your settlement, ranging from 5% to 40%. That’s why weighing the cost against the potential benefit is important. If your damage is small or your claim is simple, you probably don’t need to hire one.

Tornadoes are unpredictable and can strike without warning. While your top priority should always be safety, there are a few things you can do before a storm hits to help protect your home from damage.

• Prune and trim your trees. Cut back large branches and remove any dead limbs, especially those hanging near your roof. Brittle or overgrown trees can fall in high winds, causing major damage.

• Secure outdoor items. Wind can turn anything (i.e., rocks, patio furniture, even a child’s toy) into flying debris. For this reason, tie down or bring inside anything that could blow away, including furniture and yard equipment.

• Strengthen vulnerable areas around your home. High winds can bust through garage doors, shatter windows, and even wreck your AC unit. You may want to consider adding storm shutters or reinforcing your garage door for added protection.

• Inspect your gutters. Check that they’re tightly attached and draining correctly. Upgrading to steel can help them better withstand hail and severe storms.

• Take care of your roof. Old, lifted, or damaged shingles can lift up in a storm and let water in. If your roof is ready for a replacement, consider using impact-resistant shingles and making sure they’re installed correctly to handle strong weather.

• Review your insurance coverage. Before storm season hits, check your policy to confirm it includes wind damage. You’ll want to make sure your policy limits are high enough to cover the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing your belongings.

• Create a home inventory. Take photos of all your belongings (e.g., clothes, furniture, linens, and antiques), write down what they are worth, and keep receipts if you have them. Having a detailed list can streamline the claim-filing process and help ensure you’re adequately reimbursed.

Tornado damage to your home and personal belongings is usually covered under your home insurance policy. However, if you live in a high-risk area, you may need to buy extra coverage or a separate wind policy. If you’re unsure, reach out to your insurance agent to make sure you’re covered.

Generally speaking, tornado damage is considered a type of wind damage and most renters insurance policies cover that. So, if a tornado damages or destroys your personal belongings, like furniture or clothes, your policy will typically help pay to repair or replace them. Depending on your policy, it may also cover loss of use expenses, like hotel stays or meals, if you can’t stay in your home while it’s being repaired.

Yes, if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. This type of coverage protects your car from unexpected damage caused by events outside your control, like tornadoes, strong winds, hail, flooding, and lightning. So, if a tornado damages your vehicle, comprehensive coverage will typically help pay for the repairs after you pay your deductible and up to your policy limits.

Tim Manni edited this article.