Why Public Adjusters Are Critical After Structural Damage from High Winds or Tornadoes

Tornadoes and high-wind events don't just rip off shingles or knock over trees. They can shift foundations, tear apart roof systems, and compromise structural elements in ways that aren’t immediately visible. That kind of damage is expensive, complex, and very often underestimated by insurance carriers, which is exactly why public insurance adjusters are a critical resource for property managers and commercial stakeholders after a major storm.

Commercial and multi-family properties hit by wind or tornadoes face a gauntlet of complications: evaluating hidden damage, navigating confusing policy language, and responding to insurer demands for documentation. Meanwhile, time is ticking. Delays in assessment can lead to microbial contamination from water intrusion, compromised building systems, and ongoing business interruption.

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Wind Damage Is More Than Surface-Level

The most devastating structural damage isn’t always immediately visible. Wind shear can stress-load roofing systems and cause internal separation of building materials. Tornadoes, even those that don’t strike directly, produce pressure vacuums that warp support structures and separate walls from joists. Other issues may include:

• Cracks in foundations or slabs
• Shifted or loosened roof trusses
• Partial roof uplift (without total blow-off)
• Dislodged mechanical systems or rooftop units
• Water intrusion into ceilings and insulation

These are not the kinds of issues most insurance adjusters are trained to detect. And unfortunately, many insurers capitalize on that. According to the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), property insurance carriers have a pattern of underpaying or outright denying damage claims. Wind and tornado events are no exception.

Why Insurers Undervalue Storm Claims

High-wind structural claims are typically expensive, and carriers know it. That’s why they often minimize scope, offering to pay for a few missing panels or minor patch jobs instead of addressing deeper damage. In some cases, they bring in third-party engineers or consultants whose conclusions favor the insurer’s bottom line.

Here’s the truth: Insurance companies rely on ambiguity and lack of policyholder expertise to reduce payouts. Authors like Jay M. Feinman (Delay Deny Defend) and David Skipton (The Claims Game) have documented how insurers systematically delay, deny, or devalue claims as part of a profit-driven strategy. Public insurance adjusters exist to change that dynamic.

How Public Insurance Adjusters Level the Playing Field

Public adjusters are first-party property damage professionals who represent the policyholder—not the insurer. In the wake of a tornado or severe wind event, they perform detailed inspections, coordinate third-party experts, and develop a full-scope claim package based on the actual damage and the policy’s terms.

When structural damage is suspected, public adjusters bring in:

• Structural engineers to evaluate load-bearing components
• Roofing specialists to document uplift or hidden seam failure
• Contractors to estimate real-world repair costs
• Water damage experts to assess microbial contamination risks

Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters brings over 40 years of commercial and residential construction experience to every claim. We also collaborate with top-tier experts in their fields, including structural engineers and foundation specialists. That means we understand the full scope of storm-related damage—not just what’s visible from the street.

Insurer Estimate vs. Actual Scope: A Common Disparity

One of the most common issues we see is a major gap between what the insurance company offers and what the damage actually requires. For example:

• A school district with partial roof detachment was offered payment for patching a few seams. After inspection and expert reports from a public adjuster, the settlement increased by more than 250% to cover full roof replacement, insulation removal, and internal drywall repair.
• A manufacturing facility experienced wall separation and foundation cracking after a tornado passed nearby. The insurer blamed “settling” and offered minimal coverage. With the help of a public adjuster and some engineering input, the facility was able to secure a six-figure settlement that covered structural stabilization and water damage mitigation.

These aren’t outliers—they’re common outcomes when public adjusters advocate on behalf of policyholders.

Policyholder Responsibilities After a Storm

Many policyholders don’t realize they have specific duties after a storm event. Failure to meet them can result in delays or outright denials. These include:

• Promptly notifying the insurer
• Documenting all damage thoroughly, including photos, video, and written logs
• Taking reasonable steps to mitigate further damage
• Allowing inspections and providing requested information

Working with a public insurance adjuster ensures these steps are completed accurately and strategically. We know what documentation insurers require, how to preserve evidence, and how to counter inaccurate assessments.

Supporting Resources and Consumer Advocacy

Organizations like the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) and American Policyholder Association (APA) exist to support consumers who face challenges with property insurance claims. These groups emphasize that public adjusters are critical to achieving fair outcomes, especially when dealing with commercial losses and complex damage scenarios.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) also ranks claim denials and underpayments among the top complaints received annually, underscoring the need for professional representation.

Your Best Defense Against Denied or Underpaid Claims

When high winds or tornadoes cause structural damage, you need more than a quick inspection and a basic estimate. You need someone who understands policy language, construction standards, and how insurers operate. Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters are your best defense against denied or underpaid claims.

Schedule a call for a free claim and policy review. Let us help you move from confusion to confidence, and from damage to full recovery.