Winter Storm Damage: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

The winter can be a great season that brings fun and a beautiful ambiance to the whole environment. But for some, it may feel more like a burden, mainly if damage has occurred from storms.

Whether the buildup of snow weight has caused a collapsed roof or if the temperature drops too low, this can cause freezing and create an even more significant problem in your home. Homeowners insurance can be a great option to handle certain damages incurred by winter storms, and here are just a few examples of damages that your policy may cover.

Frozen Pipes

Anytime the temperature begins to drop, there may be a concern of pipes freezing in your home. This is a significant concern for any homeowner because a busted pipe can potentially mean flooding and internal water damage to the house's structural integrity. This coverage may be part of your policy particularly if you live in an area that has a colder climate, so it is good to check with your provider.

Collapsed Roof

Snow can be a beautiful sight until it starts building up on your roof, and after a specific weight limit is passed, the roof can collapse. A standard homeowner's policy will typically cover collapse and personal belongings if the snow has entered the home. Knowing you can get roofing restoration can be highly beneficial to help ease the stress and worry, so check with your policy to confirm.

Hail Damage

Hail damage to shingles or the roof is usually covered by homeowners' insurance and is one of the more common claims. One recommendation is to check your roof for loose shingles and have regular inspections for potential leaks after a storm.

Wind Issues

Depending on the country's area you live in, wind damage coverage might be a regular part of your policy. To prepare for a winter windstorm, a few things to keep in mind are to put things away that could cause more damage and keep any trees trimmed to avoid projectile branches.

Personal Injuries

With snow and ice being problematic for traction, slipping on an icy sidewalk can be a painful experience. In most cases, if you have injured visitors on your property, there are coverages available with specific policies. To maintain the area and keep it safer, you can clean your sidewalks and outdoor steps to prevent the snow and ice from building up.

Ice Dams

Ice dams will occur when snow buildup begins to melt and refreezes which leaves nowhere for the water to go and can pool. If the water seeps in through a vent or crack in your roof, there can be damage to the walls, flooring, and personal items, fortunately, most insurance policies will cover structural damage caused by the ice dam or flooding from melted snow.

There are some variations to this because it is expected the homeowner has proper maintenance on their roofing system. So, if you knew about a hole in your roof and did not get the repair, the insurance company may not pay for the damages. Keeping the roof clear of snow and improving your attic insulation are just two ways to reduce the risk of an ice dam and needing to file a claim.

Power Failure 

Losing power at any time of the year can cause damage, but in the winter, it can be a more severe experience. It not only causes an inconvenience but is potentially hazardous and can lead to greater expenses. When there are prolonged power outages in the winter, in most cases, the policy will cover food losses and, in some cases, temporary lodging if the house is not livable due to the power failure. Both will be contingent upon the policy details, so if you expect freezing temperatures, keep your home prepared with a backup plan or generator.

Fallen Trees

Generally, the homeowner's insurance policy will cover removing a tree and the damage incurred if it falls onto a covered property. So if the tree damages a fence, house, or other structure and falls because of a covered peril like ice or wind, it would qualify for coverage.

However, homeowners' insurance usually will not cover dead trees or preventative removal. These are paid out of pocket by the homeowner so keep this in mind as you maintain your property to reduce the risks in a winter storm.

Choose Timberline Roofing & Contracting for Exterior Restorations

There's no doubt that winter storms can cause an extensive array of damage to your property. It can be helpful to revisit your insurance policy to ensure you have all the proper coverage to keep your home and family safe for winter service. Our experts specialize in everything from residential roofing services to storm restoration, and our focus is on providing all our clients with the highest quality customer service on the market through a variety of specialized services.

If you would like to make an appointment or have questions, contact us today or give us a call at 612-284-5329.