Do You Have Severe Weather Claim Questions?

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Severe weather can be frightening and cause significant damage. In the days that follow, it’s natural to have questions about your home or auto insurance coverage and what to do next. Your local independent agent is one of your best resources for clear, personalized guidance, and we are here for you as well—ready to help you understand your options and support you through the recovery process.

Safety and Family First  

If you have been impacted by recent severe weather, your safety is our highest priority. Always put the immediate care and well-being of your family and neighbors before any home insurance claim. Use extreme caution around damaged structures, fallen trees, and downed power lines, and contact local emergency officials and your utility company right away if you see any hazards. Never drive over downed power lines or through flooded roads, and avoid all contact with floodwater.

If your property has been damaged, it is understandable to wonder what to do first and what your home insurance may cover. Remember that every policy is different, with its own coverage, limits, and deductibles. Your local independent agent is your best source for clear, specific guidance about weather-related damage based on your individual coverage.

Beware of Insurance Fraud

Do not let an offer that seems “too good to be true” end up costing you. After major storms, scammers and others looking to commit insurance fraud often go door to door in hard‑hit neighborhoods, offering debris removal or emergency roof tarping and asking for cash upfront. Too often, once they are paid, they do not return. Protect yourself by insisting on a written agreement that clearly outlines the work to be done, and wait to discuss and make payment until the services have been properly completed.

First Steps After Home Property Damage

We are here to help! When severe weather affects Virginia, we want you to know that we are here for you—day and night—supporting our members from the first report of damage through the final resolution of the claim. In larger events, we may be managing a high volume of claims, but our commitment to helping you through the process does not change.

When to Call Your Local Agent

Call your local independent agent if you have questions about your home insurance coverage or need guidance on whether to file a claim. As a licensed insurance professional familiar with your policy, your agent can help explain coverage, limits, and deductibles so you can better understand your options. When you call, have your policy information, a description of the damage, and any photos you can safely take available to help guide the conversation.

Your agent can also work alongside NNIC to support you throughout the claims process, helping you understand next steps and directing questions to your claims adjuster. While your agent provides valuable guidance, coverage and payment decisions depend on your policy’s terms and the findings of the claims review. You don’t need to wait to speak with your agent before reporting damage directly to NNIC, and you should always put safety and prompt action to prevent further damage first.

How to Report an Insurance Claim with NNIC

Your claims experience matters to us, and we work to handle each claim as promptly and carefully as possible. We appreciate your patience, especially after widespread storm damage when claim volumes may be high. You can report a claim by phone or online through your NNIC member account. Reporting online is usually the most efficient option: you can avoid potential wait times on our 24/7 claims hotline and upload photos and documents to help our team review your claim.

1. Online through your Member Account—— using your NNINS online member account is the most convenient and efficient way to report a claim. 
   

1. Call the Northern Neck Insurance 24/7 Claims Hotline at 877-968-7252

What to Do After Severe Weather Damages Your Home or Property

When responding to property damage after severe weather, make safety your top priority. Visit our claims center for more information.

• If you suspect any electrical systems have been damaged, flooding is an issue, or during extended power outages, shut off your home's main power. Have an electrician check the house after repairs before turning the power back on.
• If you have any property damage that includes your home's plumbing, shut off your main water supply to avoid further damage.  
  
• Take wide and close-up photos and videos before making minimal temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
  
• Report your insurance claim.
• Document interactions and save emails.
• Document damage to your property using a home inventory. (opens in a new window)
  
• If your home is unlivable, find safe shelter with a friend, family member, or hotel.
• Hold off on major repairs until they are approved by your claims adjuster.
• We recommend hiring repair reputable certified and Virginia-licensed home contractors. (opens in a new window)
• Ask for a detailed invoice from your contractor distinguishing labor charges and materials.
  
• Use a credit card or check for any payments you make.
• Keep all receipts for lodging, food, clothing, gas, and other necessities.
• Discuss specific claim questions with your agent and claims adjuster. 
• Stay in contact with your adjuster and keep up with requested documentation, deadlines, and any other requirements. 
• If your car is flooded, take pictures, and report your comprehensive car insurance claim.

Severe Weather Claim FAQs 

Does my auto insurance cover damage from a tree falling on my car?

Most severe weather damages to your car are covered if you purchased comprehensive coverage after you have paid your deductible. 

Does a homeowners policy cover flood damage?

Standard home insurance does not include flood coverage. However, if you have secondary water damage to your home due to a tree down on your house or roof damage, it may be covered. Speak to your independent agent to see what your policy covers.

I had to go to a hotel. Is the cost covered by my home insurance?

Yes, the cost of a hotel room can be covered by your home insurance if your home has been damaged by severe weather and is unlivable. There is usually no coverage for additional living expenses if the only issue is a power outage but exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for vulnerable customers. Keep your receipt pending confirmation the home is uninhabitable by your claims adjuster as additional living expense coverage and you will be reimbursed.

I lost power and all my cold food is spoiled. Is my grocery bill covered to replace everything?

Yes, if you have our homeowners enhancement endorsement for food loss and refrigerated property. This provides refrigerated property coverage (including food and medications) regardless of the cause of power loss. Take a picture of your refrigerator with the door open before you dispose of the spoiled food and hang on to your grocery receipt for replacement supplies.

What if my neighbor’s tree fell on my house, or my tree fell on my neighbor's property? Whose insurance pays for damages? 

Which policy may cover the damage depends on the circumstances and the coverage each homeowner has. Both you and your neighbor should report the damage to respective insurance companies and allow the adjuster to review the claim. After you take pictures, you can remove the tree or have it removed to prevent additional damage. Be sure to get an itemized receipt on the vendor’s letterhead for reimbursement consideration. If the tree removal professional estimates more than $2500 for tree removal, please wait for your claim adjuster's approval.

What should I do if storm damage makes my home unsafe to live in?

If storm damage makes your home unsafe to live in, your first priority is getting everyone to a safe place. Do not reenter a damaged home until the appropriate professionals confirm it is safe. Once your family is secure, the steps below can help you report your claim, document the damage, and work with your NNIC claims adjuster on what comes next.

• First, call local officials and utility professionals to address safety issues that may be present.

• Report your claim online or call our 24/7 Claims Hotline: 1-877-968-7252 and notify your local agent.

• Once it is safe to do so, take steps to secure your home—such as boarding up broken windows or placing a tarp over damaged areas of the roof—to help prevent additional damage.

• Take photos and videos of all damage if you are able. Stay in close contact with your agent and claims adjuster for specific guidance.

• Keep all receipts for temporary housing, fuel, food, clothing, and other essentials, and begin creating an inventory of damaged personal property. Do not throw away any damaged items until your claims adjuster instructs you to do so, and be sure to save all receipts and invoices.

Moving Forward After the Storm with NNIC

If you experience property damage covered by your NNIC policy, we’re here to help you move forward. Our claims team will work with you to review the damage, explain how your coverage applies, and guide you through the next steps, subject to your policy’s terms, limits, and deductibles. Your local independent agent can also provide support and help you find answers along the way.

Recovering from severe weather takes time, but you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. Keep in touch with your claims adjuster, ask questions when something is unclear, and let us know if your circumstances change. We’re committed to providing clear communication and practical guidance as you work toward getting back to everyday life.

Sources:
https://nicb.org/