The New Math of Storm Damage: Why NW Arkansas Homeowners Are Paying Thousands MorevDespite Having Insurance

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On November 2, 2023, Arkansas ceased being the last American state to prohibit a separate wind and hail damage deductible in homeowners insurance. On that day, Alan McClain, then-state insurance commissioner, approved its application, raising the out-of-pocket costs of insured homeowners.

After three storm seasons, policyholders have felt the pinch, especially the residents of Benton County, who experienced the devastation of the 2024 Memorial Day storms. While homeowners in Northwest Arkansas are no strangers to weather damage, understanding the logic behind this regulatory change and the new math it entails is key to reducing risk exposure.

What Is a Separate Deductible for Wind and Hail Damage?

A separate deductible for wind and hail is usually a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit, not the flat dollar amount that applies to standard homeowners insurance claims. The financial impact can be significant depending on your coverage level.

Say the insurer required a 4% deductible for wind and hail damage, and the coverage limit was $250,000 — within the insurance amount range of $200,000 to $299,999 that included 32.1% of homeowners insurance policyholders in Arkansas in 2021 — the out-of-pocket expense would be $10,000, and there would be no payout for any repair cost below this amount.

Your dwelling coverage limit is based on replacement cost rather than market value, and that distinction matters. While market value reflects what a buyer would pay for your home, replacement cost covers the labor and materials needed to rebuild it. Construction inflation and home improvements drive this figure upward as building material prices and worker wages rise alongside square footage expansions and upgraded features.

Why Did the Arkansas Government Sign This Off?

The Arkansas government signed this off to keep insurance companies operating in the state after financial losses pushed several carriers toward insolvency. With several companies already facing solvency issues or having exited the market in recent years, regulators sought to reduce cost burdens on remaining carriers while preserving coverage options for homeowners.

The financial pressure was severe. In 2023, property insurance companies had a loss ratio of 125%, paying $130 in claims for every $100 collected in premiums. Even though rates increased 15% to 20% in 2023 following similar increases the year before, the 10 companies covering 75% of the market lost $400 million after paying $2 billion in claims and collecting only $1.6 billion in premiums.

Does This New Rule Apply to Garage Doors?

This new rule applies to covered features and even garage doors, depending on the insurance carrier. Homeowners in the region should focus on weather resistance to minimize the risk of damage, and investing in durable doors that can withstand the elements makes the new regulatory change far less consequential.

"Steel garage doors are highly durable and resistant to impact, making them ideal for withstanding harsh weather conditions and potential intrusions," says Integrity Overhead Door, an award-winning garage door company based in Springdale, when speaking on minimizing hail-damaged garage door repair in Northwest Arkansas. "Steel garage doors require minimal maintenance. They do not need to be painted or stained regularly, saving homeowners time and effort," the Clopay^® Master Authorized Dealer^® adds.

When storm damage occurs, homeowners should assess the damage, understand what their insurance covers, estimate repair costs, document the damage thoroughly and decide whether to repair or replace broken doors.

When Does a Homeowners Insurance Policy Pay for Garage Door Repairs?

A homeowners insurance policy pays for garage door repairs only when the damage is unintentional, not when it’s wear and tear or intentional loss. In other words, they pay for wind or hail damage as long as the unit has been properly maintained.

Because many reasonable repairs run under $500, they're unlikely to exceed the percentage-based deductible that now applies to wind and hail claims. In such a case, filing a claim is ill-advised, as it may only drive up premiums at future policy renewals due to reporting too many incidents.

Filing an insurance claim becomes worthwhile when replacement makes more sense. This is particularly true when the problem involves major structural issues such as extensive damage to multiple panels and warped frames.

According to Integrity Overhead Door, "Replace your garage door if it is over 20 years old, repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit." This strategy helps avoid future expenses since older doors tend to need frequent, recurring fixes. "Consider repair for doors under 10 years old when issues involve specific worn components like a single broken spring, snapped cable or malfunctioning opener part," the company adds.

How Can You Document Storm Damage to Support an Insurance Claim?

You can document storm damage to support an insurance claim using your own electronic devices. You'll need to prove your losses to obtain an adequate insurance payout. Proper documentation prevents disputes while speeding up the process.

"The better you can document the damage, the easier it will be for insurance to process your claim. You'll want to give an overview and a detailed look at the destruction. To do this, use your best camera and take close-up shots of all the broken parts. Depending on the type of camera you use, you may need to make sure the settings have date and time stamps enabled," explains Integrity Overhead Door.

Capture wide shots that show the door and its surroundings, and also photograph from multiple angles to provide full context for your claim. The company adds that "If it's safe to do so, you can also photograph evidence of the storm, like downed trees and debris, to connect cause and effect. Take your pictures before any clean up attempts and ensure you document the serial numbers and models of all the damaged equipment."

💡Key Takeaways: Hail-Damaged Garage Door Repair in Northwest Arkansas

According to Integrity Overhead Door, after a hailstorm, inspect your garage door for dented panels, broken windows, and operational issues:

• Document all damage with photographs from multiple angles before cleanup.
• Professional technicians can assess whether panel replacement or full door replacement is needed.
• With Arkansas's percentage-based wind and hail deductibles, homeowners may pay thousands out of pocket before insurance covers repairs.
• Doors under 10 years old with isolated damage are typically repairable, while older doors or those with extensive damage often require full replacement.
• Get a professional estimate before filing an insurance claim, as many common repairs fall below the new deductible thresholds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to common questions about wind- and hail-damaged garage doors.

Do homeowners insurance policies cover storm-damaged garage doors?

Yes, homeowners insurance policies cover storm-damaged garage doors, provided that they've been properly maintained. Insurers don't pay for wear and tear, and poor maintenance can be grounds for claim rejection. Proper documentation is key to increasing the chances of approval and being adequately compensated.

How much will it cost to repair or replace wind- and hail-damaged garage door panels?

The cost to repair or replace wind- and hail-damaged panels depends on the extent of structural damage, and only a qualified technician can assess the problem and provide an estimate. Many repairs stay below the deductible threshold, and replacing a few cracked or bent panels often costs less than half the price of a new unit.

How soon can a technician repair your garage door?

Companies that provide emergency services can dispatch a technician as soon as possible. These businesses operate 24/7 and respond rapidly to urgent calls, typically sending someone to your area as soon as possible.

Can a technician replace only the damaged sections of your garage door?

Yes, technicians can replace only the damaged sections rather than the entire door. Panel replacement is much more cost-effective since it requires less labor and fewer materials, and the job may not require a permit.

When does garage door replacement make more sense than repairs?

Replacement makes more sense than repairs when repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit's price. Major structural issues, such as warped frames and extensive panel damage, may justify full replacement, and age is another consideration since doors over 15 years old tend to need recurring fixes that add up over time.

Weather Storm Costs in Northwest Arkansas

A separate deductible for wind and hail damage can help convince more insurance companies to sell policies in Arkansas and keep premiums competitive. Still, this regulatory change also means higher out-of-pocket costs for Northwest Arkansas residents. Investing in weather-resistant home features reduces both the risk of storm damage and the financial impact of higher deductibles.

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