Check with your insurance carrier. Happened to me a couple of years ago. Friends came to visit while I was setting up after arriving. I had just rolled out the awning but had not yet adjusted the angle for water run off. Flash flood thunderstorm came along and I heard the loud pop as the support arm gave way. I called my agent just in case I had coverage for being asleep at the wheel. He said yes and that it happens quite often. The insurance company replaced the entire awning, support arms and all. Cost me my $250 deductible.