Ice, Snow, and Storm Damage – Are You Covered?
In the wealth of scenarios surrounding home insurance coverage, weather can easily play a large role. Here we examine a couple of possible items that can damage your home. Follow along to learn some coverage tips to help you understand your policy and approach this area.
Photo: USACE Public Affairs
Where Is the Damage?
There can be some tricky situations when ice, snow, and storm damage is considered. This question can usually help distinguish when you are covered. Consider the following situations:
- During a storm, a branch falls off of a tree and damages your home. Your property insurance will cover this event, due to the direct damage to the home; you will usually be covered with the expense of removing the debris from the home.
- With an ice storm, there is damage to trees, bushes, and other plants. This is an example in which you would not be covered, as the home is not directly covered. According to a source, even if a tree or branch lands on your home without damage, you still won’t be covered – it seems as if “damage to the home” is the key term, at least for the average homeowners policy.
Of course, these are just examples. And much more to the point, this is in regards to the “average” home insurance policy. It would not be surprising to see a policy offer much more or much less protection than what is outlined. Home insurance can encompass a great many variables – unlike car insurance, which is fairly straightforward. Only a thorough investigation of your policy will give you the understanding needed.
Living Expenses
Here’s another situation – imagine if your home is uninhabitable due to severe damage via snow, ice, or storm. Home as well as renters insurance policies may cover this event.
Your policy will have these details outlined. Most policies will give a detailed amount scheme for additional living expenses in the event that you are unable to be at your home (check for exceptions, though). Thus, you may be eligible for coverage concerning temporary housing, meals, and other items.
What Should You Do When Your Home Is Damaged?
Homeowners should be aware of protocol when ice, snow, or storm damage hits the home. Note some of the following steps that are integral to the process:
- Report the damage as soon as possible, so that the claim can be settled efficiently.
- Use plywood, tarps, and other materials as needed for emergency repairs to close openings in siding, windows, and roofing – to prevent further damage.
- Take pictures of the damage and take an accurate inventory. Don’t throw away items until you check with your insurer.
- If you purchase any items related to the damage, keep all of your receipts. You may need to submit them to your insurer.
- Contact a qualified storm damage professional. They can help you discover any damage that you missed.
Overall, get up-to-speed with how your policy deals with ice, snow, and storm damage. Learn the proper protocol for your home and your home insurance policy if something like this damages your home. You’ll need to act quickly if one of these conditions hits your home.
Related posts:
- Are You Really Covered?
- Are You Covered When it Comes to Natural Disasters?
- How to Protect Your Home Against Fire Damage
- How to Protect Your Home Against Flood Damage
- Basics of Earthquake Insurance
This article is opinion only and should not be taken as financial advice.
Filed Under: Insurance Comparison
