Would Winter Storm Damage Be Covered by Your Insurance?

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

This home was affected by freezing pipes which may or may not have been covered by their insurance.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from being affected by winter storm damage is to take preventive action and be ready before the storm comes. Here are some items to check before winter weather arrives:

• Clean your gutters and downspouts so that melting snow can flow freely from your home.
• Inspect and repair roof shingles and flashing.
• Trim tree branches on your property that could damage your home.
• Apply weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows and inspect doors and windows for broken glass.
• Drain water from pipes leading to exterior faucets and remove garden hoses.
• Insulate pipes that could possibly freeze.
• Have your heating system cleaned and inspected. (We can help there!)

While most insurance polices provide coverage for winter related storm damage from wind, snow, ice, freezing rain and low temperatures, you’ll want to review your policy or contact your insurance agent to find out exactly what is covered or isn’t.

For example, most standard insurance policies do not provide coverage flood damage. If your home as suffered from winter related flooding (such as snow melt) you may not have coverage unless you have a separate flood policy in place.

If you happen to leave your home unattended during the winter for long periods of time, there may be some additional coverage issues. Some policies have exclusions for damages that result from a home not being winterized properly.

Give us a call if you suspect your home has been affected by winter storm damage. We can guide you through the process and make the stressful experience “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today 636-583-5200 we are always available 24/7.