- Tornadoes
- Wind damage
- Hail
- River flooding
- Frozen pipes
- May 22, 2011EF2 tornado that damaged homes and businesses on the north side of La Crosse
- Late January 2019Polar vortex cold that caused frozen pipes throughout the state
- Most springsSnowmelt and rain can raise the Mississippi, Black and La Crosse rivers toward low-lying properties
Bluffs, rivers and Victorian homes
La Crosse sits on the Mississippi River below the bluffs of the Driftless Area. Downtown and the south side have Victorian homes with ornate trim, plaster walls and complex roofs, while Goosetown, Washburn and Powell-Poage-Hamilton have older homes of many styles. The North Side has postwar homes, student rentals cluster near campus, and Onalaska and Holmen have newer subdivisions.
The bluffs and rivers shape both the weather and the risks homes face here. Storms often roll in from the west across the Mississippi and the bluffs of the neighboring state, and the river valley can funnel wind through town. Many older homes sit on narrow lots with large old trees, so a single storm can mean roof, gutter, siding and fence damage all at once.
Victorian homes deserve special attention. Their wood shingles, slate or patterned roofs, carved brackets and wraparound porches take skilled trades to repair, and those trades are in demand after a big storm. An estimate that assumes standard asphalt shingles and stock trim can leave an owner well short of what the repair actually costs.
Notable storms
On May 22, 2011, an EF2 tornado struck the north side of La Crosse, damaging homes and businesses. The late January 2019 polar vortex caused frozen pipes throughout the state. Most springs, snowmelt and rain raise the Mississippi, Black and La Crosse rivers, putting low-lying properties on French Island and elsewhere at risk.
Common disputes on La Crosse claims
- Tornado and wind damage. Scope disputes over structural repairs, roofs and siding are common. See tornado and straight-line wind appraisal.
- Victorian homes. Ornate trim, plaster and complex roofs are often under-priced in standard estimates.
- Hail on roofs. Matching discontinued materials is a frequent issue. Learn more about hail and roof damage appraisal.
- Water damage. River flooding is usually excluded, but other water damage may be covered.
- Rental properties. Student rentals can involve multiple units and loss of rents.
What appraisal can do
Appraisal settles the amount of a covered loss when you and your carrier disagree. Each side names an appraiser, and an umpire resolves differences. We are independent appraisers, not attorneys or public adjusters.
We inspect on site and prepare detailed estimates. As an illustrative example, a carrier might allow $15,000 for wind damage to a Victorian home, while a full scope including ornate trim and slate repair could be higher. Results depend on the property and policy.
Learn more in the appraisal process guide, or see our home insurance appraisal services.
Areas we serve
We work in La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, Campbell, Shelby, West Salem and the rest of La Crosse County. We also serve Eau Claire and Madison. Contact us to talk about your claim.
Appraisal services in La Crosse
Every Wisconsin Insurance Appraiser service is available to property owners in La Crosse and the rest of La Crosse County, including:
- Appraisal Demand Representation
- Home Insurance Appraisal
- Commercial & HOA Appraisal
- Hail & Roof Damage Appraisal
- Tornado & Straight-Line Wind Appraisal
- Snow Load & Roof Collapse Appraisal
- Water & Sewer Backup Appraisal
- Fire & Smoke Damage Appraisal
La Crosse claim questions
My La Crosse home has ornate Victorian trim. Will the estimate account for that?
It should. We price repairs using appropriate materials and craftsmanship rather than generic modern trim.
Does my policy cover Mississippi River flooding?
Usually not. River flooding is typically covered only by separate flood insurance. Appraisal settles the amount of a covered loss, not coverage.