Updated October 2026

Strong winds, thunderstorms and tornadoes can cause significant damage to homes and properties throughout Ontario.

From missing roof shingles and fallen trees to damaged fences and broken windows, a severe windstorm can leave homeowners facing unexpected repairs and insurance claims.

Fortunately, most home insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by windstorms. However, there are important limitations, deductibles and conditions that homeowners should understand.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage homeowners to know what their policy covers before a severe weather event occurs.

Is Wind Damage Covered by Home Insurance?

Most Ontario home insurance policies provide coverage for sudden and accidental damage caused by windstorms.

Examples of damage that may be covered include:

• Shingles or roofing materials torn off by high winds.

• Trees or branches falling onto your home.

• Windows broken by flying debris.

• Damage to siding, eavestroughs or exterior structures.

• Damage to fences, sheds and detached garages, subject to policy limitations.

• Interior water damage caused by rain entering through an opening suddenly created by a windstorm.

However, coverage depends on the cause of the damage and the terms of your insurance policy.

What Happens if Wind Damages Your Roof?

Roof damage is one of the most common types of claims following a windstorm.

Strong winds can lift or remove shingles, damage flashing or expose the underlying roof structure.

If the damage is caused by a sudden windstorm, your home insurance policy will generally provide coverage, subject to the applicable deductible and policy conditions.

However, there is an important distinction between storm damage and normal wear and tear.

For example, if shingles are blown off a roof that is in otherwise reasonable condition, the damage may be covered.

On the other hand, if the shingles have deteriorated significantly because of age or lack of maintenance, the insurance company may determine that some or all of the damage resulted from deterioration rather than the windstorm itself.

Insurance is intended to cover sudden and accidental losses, not the cost of replacing a roof simply because it has reached the end of its useful life.

Will Insurance Pay to Replace My Entire Roof?

Not necessarily.

If a windstorm damages only a section of your roof, the insurance company may determine that repairing the affected area is sufficient.

The settlement will depend on the extent of the damage, the roofing materials, the condition of the roof and the terms of your policy.

Some insurance policies also contain special provisions for older roofs, including limitations based on the age or condition of the roofing materials.

These provisions may affect how much the insurance company pays toward repairs or replacement.

It is important to understand that an insurance claim does not automatically entitle a homeowner to a completely new roof.

What if a Tree Falls on Your House?

If a windstorm causes a tree to fall onto your home, the resulting damage will generally be covered by your home insurance policy.

This may include:

• Repairs to the roof or other damaged structures.

• Repairs to damaged siding, windows or other building components.

• Removal of the portion of the tree necessary to complete covered repairs.

• Certain additional debris removal expenses, subject to policy conditions and limits.

However, if a tree falls in your yard without damaging an insured structure or other covered property, the cost of removing it may not be covered.

Homeowners should check their policy before assuming that all tree removal expenses are insured.

What if My Neighbour's Tree Falls on My Property?

This is a common question following severe windstorms.

If your neighbour's tree falls onto your house during a storm, you would generally report the damage to your own home insurance company.

The fact that the tree originated on someone else's property does not automatically make that property owner responsible for the damage.

However, the situation may be different if the tree was known to be dead, diseased or dangerous and the owner failed to take reasonable steps to address the problem.

In those circumstances, there may be grounds to consider whether the tree owner was negligent.

Your insurance company can investigate the circumstances and determine whether recovery from another party is appropriate.

Are Fences and Sheds Covered for Wind Damage?

Many home insurance policies provide coverage for detached structures such as garages, sheds and fences.

However, these structures may be subject to special limits, exclusions or settlement conditions.

For example, some policies provide more restricted windstorm coverage for fences than for the main dwelling.

Older or poorly maintained structures may also present coverage concerns.

If you have a large shed, detached garage or other valuable structure, confirm that it is properly insured and that the available coverage is sufficient.

What About Rain Entering Through a Damaged Roof?

Suppose a severe windstorm removes several shingles from your roof, allowing rain to enter your attic and damage the ceiling below.

Because the windstorm created an opening in the roof, the resulting interior water damage may be covered.

However, if rain enters through a roof that has been leaking for months because of deteriorated shingles or failed flashing, the damage may not be covered.

The cause of the water entering the home is important.

Similarly, water entering through basement walls or accumulating around the foundation may fall under separate water damage provisions rather than windstorm coverage.

Are Vehicles Covered for Wind Damage?

Damage to a vehicle caused by wind, falling trees or flying debris is generally handled under automobile insurance rather than home insurance.

In Ontario, this type of damage is usually covered if the vehicle has Comprehensive or All Perils coverage.

These coverages are optional.

If your vehicle only has mandatory automobile insurance coverage, damage from a falling tree or windblown debris may not be insured.

What About Your Deductible?

Most home insurance policies have a deductible, which is the portion of an insured loss that the homeowner must pay.

For example, if a windstorm causes $8,000 in covered damage and your policy has a $1,000 deductible, the insurance company would generally pay $7,000, subject to the policy terms.

Some insurance companies may apply different deductibles to certain types of weather-related losses.

Before submitting a claim, it is worth reviewing the estimated repair cost and the deductible that applies.

However, homeowners should not delay reporting significant damage simply because they are uncertain whether the repair cost will exceed their deductible.

What Should You Do After a Windstorm?

If your home has been damaged by strong winds, there are several important steps to take.

1. Make Safety Your First Priority

Stay away from fallen power lines, damaged trees and unstable structures.

Do not climb onto a damaged roof or attempt dangerous repairs yourself.

2. Document the Damage

Take photographs and v