By Kim Hendrick, Personal Insurance Claims Manager at OneGroup
As we gear up for another week of intense cold and snowstorms here in the Northeast, it’s essential for homeowners to be prepared. This winter has been particularly harsh, with January 2025 seeing temperatures averaging below normal across the region, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Snowstorms can bring a host of challenges, and understanding the potential impacts on your property can make all the difference. Knowing what your insurance policy covers can help you stay ahead of the game and protect your home. From frozen pipes to roof damage, being aware of what to expect can help you take the necessary steps to safeguard your property and keep your family safe and warm.
Common Damages During Snowstorms
- Frozen Pipes: When temperatures drop, the water in your pipes can freeze and expand, potentially causing the pipes to burst. This can lead to significant water damage inside your home. To prevent this, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, and ensure your propane, oil, or coal supplies are full.
- Roof Damage: Heavy snow accumulation can strain your roof, leading to leaks or even collapse. Ice dams, which form when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge, can also cause water to back up under shingles.
- Gutter Issues: Ice dams and heavy snow can clog and damage gutters, leading to water overflow and potential damage to your home’s foundation. Be aware that some insurance policies exclude coverage for gutters, so it’s important to keep your roofs clean!
- Window and Door Damage: Cold weather can cause caulk around windows and doors to crack, creating drafts and increasing heating costs.
- Driveway and Sidewalk Damage: The freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracks in concrete and asphalt, leading to costly repairs. Using salt or ash can help keep these surfaces clear and walkable.
- Trees Falling on Property: Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to break and potentially fall on your home, car, or other property, leading to significant damage.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on walkways, driveways, and steps, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. This can lead to injuries for you, your family, or visitors.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover a range of winter storm-related damages. These typically include burst pipes, roof collapse, water damage from ice dams, and wind or hail damage. Every policy is different, and it’s important to review your specific coverage.
There are also some exclusions and limitations to be aware of. Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage from melting snow; you would need a separate flood insurance policy for this type of coverage. If damage occurs because you failed to take necessary precautions, such as not heating your home adequately to prevent pipe freezing, your claim may be denied. Damage due to lack of maintenance, such as an old, weakened roof collapsing under snow, is also not typically covered.
To minimize the risk of damage during snowstorms, consider the following tips:
- Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heating cables to protect exposed pipes.
- Maintain Your Roof: Regularly inspect and repair your roof to ensure it can handle heavy snow.
- Clear Gutters: Keep gutters clean to prevent ice dams.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Check and replace caulk around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
- Prepare Your Driveway: Use a rubber-bladed shovel and avoid harsh de-icing chemicals to protect your driveway
- Trim Trees: Regularly trim tree branches that are close to your home to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow and ice.
- Clear Walkways: Shovel snow and use ice melt on walkways, driveways, and steps to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
By understanding the common damages caused by snowstorms and ensuring you have a comprehensive home insurance policy, you can better prepare and protect your home during the harsh winter months. Comprehensive coverage is not just a safety net; it’s a proactive step to safeguard your most significant investment.
We understand the unique challenges that winter weather can bring. OneGroup’s personal insurance specialists are here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs.
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Kim Hendrick is a Personal Insurance Claims Manager at OneGroup. She can be reached at 607-353-3971 or via email at [email protected].
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.