What to do if your home, car are damaged by storm

Questions about insurance coverage relating to storm damage? Here are answers from the NW Insurance Council, a nonprofit group of insurance companies.

Q: Thursday night's storm knocked down a tree in my backyard. What costs are likely to be covered under my homeowners-insurance policy?

A: Any damage to your home from wind and falling trees typically is covered. That includes damaged property inside your home, even food that goes bad because of electricity outages (usually up to $250 or $500). If your home is unsafe to occupy, your policy likely will cover the costs of staying in a hotel and extra food expenses from having to eat in restaurants. Also covered: the costs of removing your downed tree, assuming your house was damaged, and temporary repairs considered necessary to prevent more damage.

Q: What's likely not to be covered?

A: Personal property outside your home — such as bikes, canoes or lawn furniture — and any upgrades that weren't part of your home before the storm. Also, the costs of removing your downed tree won't be covered if your house wasn't damaged. Depending on your policy, fence damage may or may not be covered.

Q: What should I be doing over the next few days?

A: Don't rush out and get a lot of expensive repairs.

"If it's deemed to be excessive, you can be stuck with the difference," said Karl Newman, president of the NW Insurance Council.

Instead, take steps to prevent further damage, such as putting a tarp over the hole in your roof.

If you decide to hire a contractor, make sure he or she is licensed and bonded. Ask for a name and contractor ID number, then check it against the state Department of Labor and Industries Web site to make sure the contractor's license is current: www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/HireCon/.

Beware of those who want you to pay for all materials up front or who offer you a deal that sounds too good to be true, because it probably is.

Q: My neighbors' tree that I warned them about has fallen on my house. Should I go after their insurance?

A: No, just contact your insurer.

"If someone else is at fault, then your insurance company will go after their insurance company," Newman said.

Q: A falling tree limb dented the hood of my car. Will the costs of fixing that be covered by my auto-insurance policy?

A: Only if you have comprehensive coverage, which is not required by law. If all you have is liability coverage, you'll have to pay for the repairs yourself.

Q: What if I rent my home and have renter's insurance?

A: If you have renter's insurance, damage to your personal possessions is covered. That includes clothes, dishes, furniture, electronics — essentially, anything you moved in.

If the damage is at or below your deductible, don't file a claim — you'd get no money, and your premiums could go up.

If you don't have renter's insurance, you'll have to pay for repairs or replacements yourself. Damage to your personal possessions is not covered under your landlord's insurance policy.