Already heavy snows in parts of the U.S. is a reminder that when the white stuff falls it’s time to get ready for what else may come this season. Snow itself can bring down power lines or trees and make it impossible to get around.
Freezing temperatures can produce frozen pipes and all the headaches that come with it.
It’s important for homeowners and businesses to be prepared for potential hazards and know what to do, and what is covered by insurance, in the event a major winter storm hits, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
“The good news is that under the standard homeowners policies, many of the common problems such as a tree branch causing damage to your roof will be covered,” Chris Hackett, PCI’s director of personal lines policy, said in a statement. “Winter storms can cause significant damage and insurers are ready to work with consumers to minimize the inconveniences and help make the claims process go as smoothly as possible. In the event of a storm, we encourage property owners to report their claims as soon as possible to begin the recovery process. If there is damage, make temporary repairs and keep receipts, as those costs may be reimbursed under your policy.”
The most frequent problems for homeowners during major snowstorms are power outages, falling trees and damage caused by those falling trees. The PCI advises that homeowners should take note of the following:
• Stay away from downed power lines, even if they do not appear to be “live.” Call the power company to report any outages.
• The standard homeowners insurance policy generally does not include food spoilage coverage. Homeowners should check their policies to see if they have coverage for food spoilage.
• Damage to trees, shrubs and other plants during an ice storm is not covered under the standard homeowners policy. However, insurance may pay to remove the debris from a fallen tree if it caused damage to a structure that is covered by insurance.
• If a property owner’s tree damages a neighbor’s property, the neighbor should file a claim with their own insurer.
• If someone’s tree falls on their own house, damage to the house is covered. Generally the policy covers the cost to remove the tree from the house.
• If the tree or branch falls and does no damage to a covered structure, generally here is no coverage for the tree or to remove the tree from the premises.
If the property does sustain damage, take the following action:
• Report all damage to the insurance company or agent as soon as possible in order to settle a claim more quickly and accurately.
• If it is safe to do so, take steps to protect the property from further damage and theft by making emergency repairs. Use plywood, tarps and other materials to cover openings in roofs, walls and windows.
• Homeowners should keep receipts for anything they buy and submit them to the insurance company later.
• Inventory all damaged property, take pictures of the damage and check with the insurance company before throwing away any damaged property. Identify the structural damage to the home and make a list of everything the adjuster should examine.
• To settle a claim more quickly and accurately, prepare as much information as possible about damaged possessions when the insurance adjuster comes to look at the property.
• Talk with the insurance agent about what the deductible will be for the storm damage.
Many standard homeowners and renters policies provide for reimbursement of additional living expenses when the property is determined to be uninhabitable due to damage.
This provision helps in paying for increases to necessary living expenses such as temporary housing and restaurant meals. In addition, extra expenses such as overnight parking and laundry services may also be covered. Additional living expense coverage does not pay for all living expenses.
It covers only the increase over normal living expenses. This coverage typically is limited to 20 percent of the value of the home or 40 percent of the personal property limits of the condominium or rental property.
Cold weather tips for homeowners:
• Frozen water pipes represent the biggest potential problem for most homes. A little advance planning will usually prevent frozen pipes.
• Insulate pipes, especially those leading to the outside, and plug holes around the pipes with insulation or spray-in foam. Make sure there is warm air flowing around pipes that are located near an outside wall. Check pipes under sinks to make sure they will get adequate heat.
• Set the heat in the home warm enough to avoid problems. At night, the heating system needs to circulate water through radiator and baseboard heating units to avoid freezing.
• Make sure there is clear access to the main water shut-off valve in case there is a leak or a pipe suddenly bursts.
• Open interior faucets enough to allow a slow trickle of water to maintain the flow of water in the lines and help prevent freezing. Make sure the sink drains are open.
