We’re only part-way into this winter and knowing the Northeast, there’s still plenty of winter to go around. Winter storms and inclement weather are often unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for the worst throughout the duration of the season. But it’s also crucial that you understand your insurance coverages, and how they relate to winter storms in general. The last thing you want to do after an emergency is try to read through insurance policies and legal jargon to wrap your head around what is about to come out of your pocket. A lot of times, these types of precautions don’t occur to folks until it’s too late.
But that’s why–here at Weed Ross–we make it easy for you, so you don’t have to stress at all. We also figured that about halfway through the winter season was the perfect time to address these concerns, now that the holiday buzz has slowed down and we’re all back to our regularly scheduled programs–because winter storms are still looming. Below we cover everything you need to know about insurance coverages and winter storms, and we even try to do it in an easy-to-follow format. Additionally, we’ll provide some tips and resources to prepare your home, vacation home, rental property, or apartment for that abominable weather.
In this article, we will cover:
- Is Winter Storm Damage Covered by Insurance?
- What Types of Properties Are Protected from Winter Storms?
- What Winter Storm Damages Are Covered?
- How Can You Prepare Your Home for a Winter Storm?
Is Winter Storm Damage Covered by Insurance?
Typically, a standard homeowners insurance, business insurance, or renters insurance policy will cover the damages associated with winter storms. Even your secondary home insurance or vacation home insurance policy will offer coverage for these types of storms, especially ski cabins or chalets particularly prone to severe winter weather. That being said, be sure to read your policy carefully, or check with your insurance agent–it’s never a good idea to make assumptions when it comes to insurance. But home insurance and other similar policies offer protection from many different types of weather-related threats, such as wind storms like tornadoes and hurricanes, or hail, snow, and ice often characteristic of winter storms.
What Types of Properties Are Protected from Winter Storms?
Winter storms can cause damage to just about any dwelling–nothing is really safe from Mother Nature. Accordingly, you can usually get coverage pretty easily for whatever property you’re looking to protect. For instance, Weed Ross partners with tons of insurance carriers, and almost all of them offer winter storm coverage for homes, businesses, apartments, second homes, vacation homes, and even automobiles. Your local Weed Ross agent can help address the details behind these coverages upon obtaining whichever insurance policy you’re in the market for. We’ll make sure that you’re protected from winter storms for your:
- Home
- Secondary Home
- Vacation Home
- Apartment or Rental
- Business Facility
- Car
- Motorcycle, ATV, or Snowmobile
What Winter Storm Damages Are Covered?
Winter storms escalate rather quickly, and can cause all sorts of damage to your home, business, or other property. Disasters caused by winter weather frequently include ice or wind damage, frozen or burst pipes, leaking roofs, total collapses, and more. Also, many carriers offer backup sewer and drain coverage, which face notable risk in a winter storm. It’s important to note, however, that flood damage is normally not covered by your standard homeowners, business, or renters insurance package. Talk with your insurance agent if you’re looking for flood damage coverage or protection.
How Can You Prepare Your Home for a Winter Storm?
Outside of being familiar with the available insurance coverages, the best way to protect yourself from a winter storm is to prevent damage from happening in the first place. By taking proactive precautions, you hopefully won’t need to make an insurance claim at all. To prevent winter storm damage:
- Take good care of your roof: maintain a close eye on the quality of your roof and make sure to replace any weak or damaged components.
- Keep your home warm: make sure your pipes don’t freeze by keeping your home at a safe temperature–you don’t ever want your average temperature to dip below 65℉.
- Prevent ice dams and water damage: keep your gutters clear–snow or ice that accumulates can often form an “ice dam,” where melting ice causes substantial water damage as it spreads.
- Prep for a power outage: always keep some extra fuel around, whether it’s firewood or propane, so you and your dwelling can stay warm in the event of a long-lasting winter storm.
- Keep surfaces and walkways clear: shovel your driveway, walkway, porch, steps, and any other surface to avoid freezing, damage, ice dams, or personal injury. Treat these surfaces with salt or another de-icing solution.
Do you still have lingering questions about insurance and how it relates to winter storm damage? We don’t want to leave you out in the cold. Get in touch with us–the expert insurance agents at Weed Ross keep things simple, straightforward, friendly, and local. Contact Weed Ross today.
