Homeowners insurance generally provides coverage for property damage caused by a tornado and high winds. The "comprehensive" coverage in an auto insurance policy generally pays for tornado or wind damage to a vehicle.

Following are answers to commonly asked questions about insurance coverage for tornado or wind damage. American Family Insurance policyholders who have sustained damage should report their claims to our 24-hour Claims Customer Care Center at 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326) or their American Family Insurance agent.

Wind - Homeowners

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• Civil authorities have ordered me to evacuate my home. Does my policy pay for food and lodging during this time?

  • Your homeowners policy pays for additional living expenses for up to two weeks if you are denied access to your home by the civil authorities. This includes reasonable motel and food expenses. Keep copies of the receipts for your adjuster.

• Can I get an emergency advance payment?

  • Yes. If you have a covered loss and need emergency funds, we can provide you an advance payment. This advance payment is applied to your final claim settlement.

• Can I start to make repairs to prevent further damage?

  • You should protect your property immediately against further damage and theft. Use plywood, tarps or other materials to cover broken windows and damaged rooftops. Keep the receipts of any materials/services that you purchase to make these repairs so your adjuster can review them and reimburse you for expenses covered by your policy.

• What can I do with my pets?

  • Your homeowners policy covers the cost of temporarily boarding domestic pets if civil authorities prohibit access to your home. Keep copies of the receipts for your adjuster.

• Do I have coverage to replace damaged trees or remove tree debris caused by the storm?

  • Homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage to trees or the removal of tree debris from the property. If a tree has fallen on your home and caused damage, however, we pay to cut away that part of the tree so repairs can be made; most policies pay up to $500 for removing that part of the tree from the property. Check your policy for specific coverage.

• The storm caused a neighbor's tree to fall on my house? Whose insurance company should I report my claim to - the neighbor's or mine?

  • Report the claim to American Family Insurance. Since the cause of damage was an act of nature, your insurance policy applies. If the roles were reversed and a tree from your property fell on your neighbor's home, the neighbor's insurance policy would apply.

• Is there anything I can do to help with the claim process?

  • Begin to compile a list of personal property and belongings you believe were damaged or destroyed by the storm. Briefly describe each item, including its age, current value, make, model and serial number.

• Who do I call to make repairs?

  • You are free to select any contractor or repair shop you wish. It is usually best to select one who has operated in the area for several years, is insured and bonded and gives you a written guarantee for the work performed.

Wind - Auto

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• Who do I call to make repairs?

  • You are free to select any contractor or repair shop you wish. It is usually best to select one who has operated in the area for several years, is insured and bonded and gives you a written guarantee for the work performed.

Have a question that you couldn't find here? Contact your American Family Insurance agent with your additional questions.

Return to Storm FAQ's.