Nebraska’s 2024 Storm Damage: Winter Risks to Address Now

How Nebraska’s Record Storms Could Lead to Bigger Problems This Winter

Nebraska has never been a stranger to storms, but 2024 took it to a whole new level. From relentless tornadoes to massive hailstorms, the state has endured a barrage of extreme weather events that have left many properties vulnerable to hidden damage. And as we transition into winter, many of these issues could go from bad to worse if left unaddressed.

For many, it’s not just about broken windows or missing shingles—it’s about the damage that often goes unnoticed. If you have a property in an area impacted by any of Nebraska’s severe weather this year, here’s what you need to know as winter approaches.

A Record-Breaking Year for Nebraska Storm Damage

2024 will be remembered for the intensity and frequency of its storms. According to the National Weather Service, Nebraska saw over 50 major weather events, including multiple EF2 and EF3 tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds exceeding 100 mph. These storms ravaged communities, damaged homes, and uprooted lives. For many, the recovery is still ongoing.

 

But here’s where it gets tricky: not all storm damage is immediately visible. In fact, some of the most significant damage is hidden from view, waiting for the winter freeze to reveal its full impact. The relentless nature of these storms has left many properties in a fragile state, and with winter’s harsh conditions around the corner, those vulnerabilities could lead to significant problems.

The Hidden Threats Lurking in Your Property

Many Nebraska property owners have focused on the apparent storm damage—broken windows, torn siding, or damaged roofs—but it’s the hidden and unresolved issues that could wreak havoc this winter. Let’s look at the potential dangers that could be hiding beneath the surface:

Reach out today to have your property inspected by our team! Our goal is to inform you of any damage to your property so that you can make any necessary repairs before the winter season. Our inspection team will take photos of your property in its current condition. Whether there’s damage or not, having updated photos of your property can come in handy in case you file an insurance claim later down the line.

Winter is Coming—Are You Ready for It?

This might feel overwhelming for families already dealing with the aftermath of 2024’s storms. The emotional and financial toll of repairing storm damage can be significant, but it is important to act before winter exacerbates the situation. 

Our Community, Our Strength

If you were heavily impacted by Nebraska’s storms this year, it’s understandable to feel stretched thin financially and emotionally. But taking steps now can prevent even greater stress down the line. Winter can be unforgiving, and the last thing any family needs is to discover damage that could have been prevented.

Reach out to our team today to have your property inspected to ensure your property is ready to face the coming winter. Addressing potential issues now can provide peace of mind in the months ahead.

Hurricane Milton Tornado Damage

Hurricane Milton Tornado Damage

Florida’s Unexpected Catastrophe

When Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida earlier this week, those outside the hurricane’s path expected heavy rainfall and minimal flooding. However, many Florida residents faced an entirely different danger: tornadoes. In just under 25 minutes, three tornadoes ripped through St. Lucie County, claiming lives and leaving a trail of destruction. CNN reported, “At least nine tornadoes tore through communities over 100 miles inland.” The tornadoes Hurricane Milton produced were particularly intense and “supercharged” compared to typical hurricane-spawned tornadoes.

The devastation from these tornadoes was unprecedented. Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin noted, ‘There’s no way we could have predicted this type of activity because this is just not precedented.” These tornadoes left homes destroyed and entire neighborhoods leveled. St. Lucie Sheriff Keith Pearson described the devastation bluntly: “Everything in the tornado’s path is gone.”

 

Tornadoes and Hurricane Coverage: What’s Included? 

If your property was damaged by tornadoes during Hurricane Milton, your insurance policy should typically cover the wind damage caused by the tornado. However, many insurance carriers have started to sneak in wind exclusions in policies—limiting the amount of coverage you can get.

We want to stress the importance of documenting all damage before cleanup begins. It’s important you paint a full picture of the loss with proper documentation—hopefully setting your insurance claim up for success. For those with flood insurance, it’s also important to note that your flood policy may have deadlines and requirements different from those of your primary insurance policy. 

Key Steps to Take After Hurricane Milton Tornadoes

If you’ve experienced damage, documenting everything is the first step towards recovery!

Our team is ready to help you in any way we can! Navigating the claims process can feel like a full-time job—often taking several hours a week to stay on top of the process. Premier Claims is here to take the added burden off your plate. For immediate assistance, contact our team today!

Insurance Carriers Delays and Fair Treatment

Unfortunately, it’s common for insurance carriers to delay or minimize payouts after a disaster. You can push for a professional assessment if you feel you aren’t getting a fair settlement. This is where working with a public adjuster, like those at Premier Claims, could come in handy. A public adjuster works on behalf of the policyholder—not the insurance carrier. 

Rebuilding and Moving Forward

As recovery continues across Florida, remember rebuilding will take time. Potential relief options are available through your insurance policy and FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and local nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross. Temporary housing options may be  available for those who have been displaced. Airbnb is one of many organizations working to help those who were impacted. Even in the face of disaster, Floridians are coming together, with local, state, and federal resources stepping in to provide relief. 

The tornadoes that accompanied Hurricane Milton serve as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability. While we can prepare for hurricanes, unexpected disasters—like the deadly tornadoes that ravaged Florida—highlight the importance of adequate insurance coverage for the least expected.. As residents begin to rebuild, it’s critical to remain vigilant in documenting damage, advocating for fair treatment from insurance carriers, and seeking additional assistance when needed. Our team is here to review your insurance policy and identify potential gaps in your coverage to prepare for future losses. Reach out today for a free policy review. 

Will My Insurance Premiums Go Up?

A hailstorm hits your area, leaving a trail of damage in its wake. Amidst the chaos, you’re left wondering about the aftermath, not just in terms of property damage but also the looming uncertainty of insurance premiums. Will your premiums go up if you seek professional help in navigating the claims process?

Understanding Insurance Premiums

Insurance carriers assess several factors when calculating premiums. This includes the likelihood of future claims and the overall risk associated with insuring a property. However, it’s important to note that insurance carriers cannot legally raise premiums solely due to an Act of God, such as a hailstorm, flood, or hurricane.

Factors Influencing Premium Increases

Insurance carriers may increase premiums based on two primary factors:

Fault of the Policyholder

Premiums may increase if the policyholder is deemed at fault for the property damage. For example, if a policyholder recklessly drives a vehicle into their building, resulting in damage, the insurance carrier may raise premiums to reflect the increased risk associated with insuring the property. 

Catastrophe Area

Premiums may also increase if the property is located in a “Catastrophe Area.” This designation typically applies to regions affected by severe storms, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Areas where severe storms cause multiple claims to be filed in the area. In such cases, insurance carriers may raise rates for all policyholders in the affected area to help mitigate the financial impact of widespread damage. 

The Role of Public Adjusters

Public adjusters play an important role in the insurance claims process. These professionals advocate for policyholders and assist in navigating the complexities of filing insurance claims. Contrary to common misconceptions, hiring a public adjuster should not inherently cause insurance premiums to increase. 

Public adjusters work tirelessly to fight for policyholders to receive fair and equitable compensation for their losses. They possess in-depth knowledge of insurance policies and regulations. This allows them to negotiate effectively with insurance carriers on behalf of the policyholder. By leveraging their skills, public adjusters strive to earn the best settlement possible for a claim, in turn expediting the claims process. To learn more about the role a public adjuster can play in your claim, read our blog: What is a Public Adjuster?

Connect with Premier Claims

If you’re considering hiring a public adjuster or have questions about your insurance premiums, our team at Premier Claims is here to help. We comprehend the complexities of the insurance industry and pledge to serve as a trusted resource for policyholders. Contact us today for an inspection or to have your policy reviewed by our experienced team. 

Working with a public adjuster should not result in an increase in insurance premiums. Insurance carriers primarily base premium adjustments on factors such as fault and Catastrophe Area designations. Public adjusters play a vital role in advocating for policyholders. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from our team at Premier Claims, we’re here to support you every step of the way.