BULLETIN
July 2, 2024
Key Coverage Considerations and an Update on Claim Timelines at Western National
Since June 12, 2024, we have received approximately 500 property and auto claims. In addition to hail, many customers throughout the Midwest are dealing with water in their homes, which is causing an additional increase in claims. There have been 260 water-related claims. We appreciate your partnership in serving our mutual policyholders by helping respond to questions and provide updates as needed.
There are some important coverage considerations to remember in the event of a hailstorm:
Actual Cash Value Coverage for Roofs: Some policies are endorsed with Actual Cash Value for the roof if the roof is over a certain age (e.g., 15 years or 20 years). We work to identify the age of the damaged roof and apply depreciation -- either recoverable or non-recoverable depending on the age of the roof. If you have documentation supporting the age of a roof, please submit it to pc.claims@wnins.com and reference the claim number in the subject line.
Matching of Undamaged Roofing and Siding: All homeowners' policies specifically exclude coverage for matching of undamaged roofing or siding. An endorsement can be added to the policy to "buy back" this coverage. Claims for matching of roofing or siding due to the following reasons are not covered:
- Color, fading, oxidation, weathering differences
- Obsolescence or discontinuation
- Texture, dimensional differences
- Wear and tear, marring, scratching, or deterioration
Matching of Undamaged Roofing and Siding Endorsement -- WNHO111: If a policy is endorsed with matching coverage, the policy will provide coverage for undamaged roofing or siding that is no longer available to repair or replace. Loss solely due to fading, oxidizing, wear and tear, or weathering is still excluded. We will obtain a siding sample to determine if the current siding is available.
Cosmetic Damage Exclusion -- Metal Roof: Many policies are endorsed with a cosmetic damage exclusion for metal roofs. Cosmetic damage means physical damage such as marring, scratching, denting, pitting, discoloration, or other conditions that alter the appearance of the roof but do not allow the infiltration of water or other elements through the metal roof. Losses that are the result of wind or hail causing cosmetic damage to metal roofs are excluded when this endorsement applies.
How to Report a Claim
Western National offers 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week claims reporting.
Phone: (855) 921-3164
Online Claim Submission:
https://www.wnins.com/claims/
Email: newloss@wnins.com
Please note: If your customer is experiencing an urgent matter requiring immediate attention, such as water leaking into the home, other damage making the home unlivable, or not hearing from an adjuster, please call our Claims Department directly instead of sending an email. This is the fastest way to receive assistance. Once a claim is submitted, your customer can expect to hear from our team within 48 hours.
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions regarding claims at Western National.
