Does My Homeowner's Insurance Cover Damage From A Snowstorm?

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

White house covered in snow with trees behind it with the SERVPRO logo on top

Many of us wait the entire year for the winter season. After all, there’s nothing better than chilling with a hot cup of coffee by the fireside, is there? Oh, and not to mention the mesmerizing snow we can’t get enough of! 

However, when the weather is accompanied by damaging winds, hail, or worse, snowstorms – the excitement soon turns into disappointment. 

The snowstorm can wreak havoc by blocking the gutters and downspouts, freezing pipes, and causing serious damage to the roof. 

This brings us to one of the most frequently asked questions – does homeowner’s insurance cover snow damage? 

Winter Storm and Damage: What’s Covered? 

Most standard insurance policies provide coverage for winter-related storm damage, with a few exceptions. Here is what you can usually expect to be covered: 

• Roof Damage and Collapse 

A roof collapses when the roof cannot bear the weight of ice and snow. 

A standard homeowner’s insurance usually helps cover the cost of replacing or repairing a roof that is damaged or destroyed by a collapse. 

If your home is inhabitable after a roof collapse, the additional living expense coverage in your homeowners' insurance may also help cover additional expenses, such as hotel bills. 

• Ice Dams 

When ice forms on the edge of a roof and stops melting water from running off, an ice dam is formed that can result in water leakage and subsequent damage. 

Most homeowners’ insurance help pay to repair the damage caused by ice dams. However, it probably won’t cover damages to personal belongings caused by ice dams. 

• Frozen Pipes 

A snowstorm exposes homeowners to another serious threat: burst, leaking, or frozen pipes. 

Standard homeowners’ insurance policies help cover the subsequent damages, but only if they weren’t caused due to negligence on the homeowner’s part.

Check your policy terms and limits to check how much coverage you have for frozen pipes. 

• Landscaping Damage 

A snowstorm doesn’t only threaten your building’s integrity, it can also cause severe damage to your landscape. 

Homeowner’s insurance usually provides protection for fallen trees and damaged landscapes due to heavy amounts of snow. However, it might not provide coverage for subsequent damage to personal property. 

Other common winter damages include hail damage, power outages, wind damage, and some cases of water infiltration. Parting Thoughts 

Snowstorms can negatively impact your home and life in ways more than one. While your homeowner insurance can cover damages, depending on your policy terms and conditions, it’s better to prepare for the worst well in advance. 

Wondering how you can do just that? 

By teaming up with SERVPRO, the specialists in storm damage restoration. 

Rest assured, knowing that whatever storm comes your way, SERVPRO has you covered.

Give us a call for your quote today at 706-866-5646

From Fort Oglethorpe to Varnell, Cohutta to Praters Mill, or anywhere in between, we take pride in serving your neighborhood! We are a locally owned and operated franchise with employees dedicated to providing a quality customer experience!