With monsoon season beginning to be more active, an expert says much of the common damage seen in Arizona from monsoon is usually covered.PHOENIX — Monsoon storms can damage homes, cars and trees as they roll through Arizona leaving people having to clean up the aftermath. "The wind and the water damage that ensues, it is generally covered for a lot of people," Dave Wilkinson with SunPoint Public Adjusters said.
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. A common problem with monsoon storms are trees being downed by winds. The trees sometimes end up on cars or homes. "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.
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. Last September, Donna Price's Mesa home was damaged during a monsoon storm, ripping apart her carport and her roof. It took months to get it all put back together, Price said. Now, her recommendation to others who will face similar damage this year: