“After the Storm: The Homeowner’s Guide to Wind and Storm Damage Claims”By Ronnie Gelfont – 21st Century Public Adjusters
June, 2025
By admin
“After the Storm: The Homeowner’s Guide to Wind and Storm Damage Claims”By Ronnie Gelfont – 21st Century Public Adjusters

When the skies darken and the winds howl, most homeowners think first about safety. But once the storm passes and the adrenaline fades, another kind of storm begins—navigating the aftermath with your insurance company. For many, this process is confusing, frustrating, and often leaves them with less than they need to truly recover.

At 21st Century Public Adjusters, we specialize in making sure homeowners aren’t alone during these difficult moments. With years of experience helping families across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we know how to handle the complexities of wind and storm damage insurance claims—down to the last shingle.


Understanding What Windstorm Damage Really Is

It’s easy to assume wind damage means just a few broken shingles or a dented gutter, but the reality is much broader—and more serious. Windstorm damage includes any single-event weather issue that causes physical harm to your property. This may be obvious, like a tree crashing into your roof or a window shattered by flying debris. But more often, the real damage is hidden—shingles stripped from the roof allowing slow leaks, cracks in siding that admit water, or internal stress fractures in walls or ceilings that only reveal themselves weeks later.

Our job is to not just look at the surface-level damage, but to dig deeper and identify the total scope of what a storm may have done. Homeowners often don’t realize the damage until it’s too late to claim it. That’s why our inspections are comprehensive. We’ll look at your entire exterior, deploy drone photography when needed, and even work with engineers if structural issues are suspected. Our commitment is to uncover every detail the insurance company would otherwise overlook.


Tree Damage and Coverage Complexities

A common concern after a storm is fallen trees—especially when they’re from the neighbor’s yard. Many assume it’s the neighbor’s problem, but insurance doesn’t work that way. Your policy covers your property, regardless of where the tree originated. If it blocks an entryway, damages your roof, or crashes through your garage, you may be eligible for removal and repair reimbursement. We guide you through what is and isn’t covered and take the necessary steps to document it so your claim is strong from the outset.


The Critical Role of Documentation

One of the most underestimated aspects of a successful claim is documentation. Photos taken before the storm—even casually during family events—can serve as invaluable proof. Post-storm images are equally crucial. At 21st Century, we ask for both, and if you don’t have them, we use tools that track historical weather data to verify the event and match it to your address. This is the same data insurance companies use, and we make sure your claim includes it.

We also help with immediate mitigation—calling in roofers or siding specialists to temporarily patch up damage so it doesn’t worsen. This not only protects your home, but it shows your insurer that you acted responsibly, which strengthens your claim.


Hurricane Deductibles: What You Don’t Know Could Cost You

In the past, named storm deductibles were common only in southern states. But now, homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are seeing them too—often buried in the fine print. Instead of a flat dollar amount, these deductibles can be 1% to 3% of your home’s insured value. On a $400,000 home, that’s up to $12,000 out of pocket before your insurance even starts helping.

Our policy reviews reveal these hidden clauses and give you options—like adding matching coverage for siding and roofing, or city/county code upgrades that could otherwise leave you footing the bill. These small add-ons, often costing just a few dollars per month, can mean tens of thousands saved after a storm.


Why Work with a Public Adjuster?

When you call your insurance company, their adjuster is working for them—not for you. Their job is to minimize payouts. Ours is the opposite: we’re your advocate. From the first photo to the final check, we manage every step. We inspect, document, communicate, negotiate, and help coordinate contractors for repairs. We know how to build a claim that gets taken seriously.

Most importantly, we move fast. When damage strikes, you don’t have time to wait. We’re often on-site within 24 hours, and our goal is simple—make sure you’re not alone in this, and make sure you don’t get shortchanged.


Final Thoughts

A storm may only last hours, but its effects can linger for months or even years—especially when homeowners are left to fight insurance battles alone. At 21st Century Public Adjusters, we believe you deserve an expert in your corner. Someone who knows the system, understands the policies, and treats your home like it was their own.

If you’ve experienced storm damage, or even suspect you might have, don’t wait. Call us today. The earlier we step in, the better your outcome.

📞 (215) 485-3107
📍 Newtown, Pennsylvania
🖥️ www.21stCenturyAdjusters.com