Winter items that a homeowners Insurance policy may not cover

Make sure when there's snow, Ice & sleet you're home is covered.

As we write this post our office is closed officially today for a Snow Day! Who doesn't love a Snow Day every once in a while? A temporary break from the work week, a time to stay home in the warmth and even an opportunity to capture a few fun moments with loved one's by playing in the snow! Among all of the fun activities a Snow Day can provide, home owners should be wary of these critical items which could occur during cold temperatures such as Snow, Sleet and Ice that a homeowners policy may not cover.

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1. a CAVED IN ROOF:

1. If the roof caves due to weight of snow and the personal property is damaged then collapse coverage is in effect for damaged property. Roofs that sag (which under homeowners insurance forms is not the same as “collapse”) under the weight of snow and ice, or gutters being pulled away from the building that causes damage may only cover the personal property of the home.
   
   

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2. Ice Damming:

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   Ice damming due to weight of the snow may compact and turn into ice, resulting in water back up and spills under a homeowners shingles. Additionally this could lead to water stained walls and even damage ceilings. All homeowners should verify if Ice Damming is covered under their current homeowner's policy and be aware of this winter storm threat to their residency.
   
   

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3. Roof Leaks due to Incorrect Installation

1. 
   If the leak of a roof or flashing isn’t installed correctly and/ or if the roof is worn, the policy may not cover cost to fix the roof, coverage may only be available for the damage which could be caused on the home interior and property contents in the house.
   
   

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4. Frozen Pipes Burst:

Did you know in order for a homeowner to have insurance protection from freezing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, automatic fire protection, or of a household appliance the named insured should t take precautions to maintain heat in the building or shut the system off and drain the appliance. If these precautions are not taken and a homeowners insurance policy experienced a claim due to frozen pipes, insurance coverage may be excluded.

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5. Damage from frozen tree branches

 Trees, shrubs, plants and lawn damages are often not covered by hail, weight of ice/snow and wind. Open perils coverage will cover any unnamed perils. Homeowner Insurance policy holders should know that the structure damage could however be covered if a situation involving a tree or a branch falls on the house and/or garage.

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6. Winter  sTORM power Failure:

1. 
   The cost of the food in the fridge(usually up to $500) may be covered under the homeowners policy. In fact, in some cases the policy will even cover hotel and meal expenses in the event that a home insurance policy holder cannot reside in their home due to power failure.
   
   

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All homeowners should be aware of these listed house threats that a winter storm could pose.  For further questions, homeowners insurance exclusions and even home owner insurance quotes feel free to contact Snotherly Insurance directly by clicking this link or emailing us directly at snotherlyinsurance@gmail.com.