PHOENIX — Monsoon storms can damage homes, cars and trees as they roll through Arizona leaving people having to clean up the aftermath.
An expert says much of the damage is likely covered by insurance.
"The wind and the water damage that ensues, it is generally covered for a lot of people," Dave Wilkinson with SunPoint Public Adjusters said.
Roof Damage
High winds can lead to roof damage on homes whether from the wind itself or from trees. Tiles can be blown off, or more severe damage can let monsoon rains into the house.
Dave Wilkinson, a public insurance adjuster at SunPoint Public Adjusters said roof damage is covered.
"They're not going to pay to maybe replace the roof if it's worn out, but they will pay for the water damage that occurred if the monsoon damaged the roof," Wilkinson said. "If it rips some tiles off, it will pay to replace the tiles and the ensuing damage."
Wilknson said if it is just a few tiles blown off, it's still best to file a claim with the insurance company so a full inspection can be done to ensure there's not further damage that could cause problems down the road.
Downed trees
A common problem with monsoon storms are trees being downed by winds. The trees sometimes end up on cars or homes.
In either case, Wilkinson said insurance should cover the damage.
"If it's your tree and it falls on your house, it's covered. If it's your neighbor's tree and it falls on your house, it's covered. And that's both covered under your insurance policy," Wilkinson said.
When it comes to trees damaging cars, Wilkinson said that should also be covered as well.
Trees that are also just uprooted from the wind Wilkinson said will be covered to be removed as well.
Water
Monsoon rains can lead to flooding streets, overflowing washes and rivers and rain leaking into homes.
Coverage on water damage is going to depend on what the source of the water is.
"You need to look in your policy," Wilkinson sad. "If it's a flood from water that's overflowing from something then you need to have National Flood Insurance and that's a separate policy. So if you have water leaking in your house - that kind of flood - that's generally covered. But it has to be sudden and accidental."
If the home is not in a flood zone and National Flood Insurance is not available, Wilkinson said it's best to be prepared with sandbags.
Still, Wilkinson said it's best to review your individual policy every year.
'Be Persistent'
Last September, Donna Price's Mesa home was damaged during a monsoon storm, ripping apart her carport and her roof.
"It sounded like a train was coming through the house," Price said.
It took months to get it all put back together, Price said. Now, her recommendation to others who will face similar damage this year:
"Don't panic and be persistent," Price said.
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