Winter storm Hernando is bomb cyclone expected to bring blizzard conditions to a swath of the eastern U.S., ranging from New England to Delaware. More than 70 million people are under winter weather alerts, as forecasters anticipate snow accumulation and damaging wind gusts.
When winter weather damages your house, homeowners insurance can keep you from breaking the bank on repairs. Here's what winter weather damage your policy will (and won't) cover.
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Frozen pipes
If a pipe bursts in your home, your policy can pay for any resulting water damage, including to your home's structure, as well as to your belongings. Your claim could be denied, however, if the damage occurred because your home wasn't kept at a reasonable temperature.
Homeowners' insurance may also not cover the cost of repairing the pipe itself, which can run $200 to $3,000, according to home services company HomeAdvisor.
Roof leaks
Your roof is one of the more vulnerable parts of your home, especially from melting snow, ice and sleet after a storm. Remaining ice can prevent water from running off the roof, leading to pooling and leakage.
In severe cases, a roof can even collapse.
A standard insurance policy should cover structural damage from a collapse or a leak, but check your coverage to see if personal belongings damaged inside by a leak are covered.
Homeowners insurance can also help cover the cost of temporarily relocating if you have to move out during repairs.
If your roof needs to be repaired or replaced because of snow or ice, document the issue and any resulting damage — you'll need this when you file a homeowners insurance claim.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Amica offers two tiers of homeowners insurance: A standard policy and the brand's Platinum Choice plan, which covers more situations and has extended coverage for jewelry and liability. Add-on options include computer coverage, sump pump backup coverage, and dwelling replacement coverage.
Progressive doesn't underwrite its own insurance policies. Through its HomeQuote Explorer platform, however, it gathers multiple quotes from over a dozen top insurers to help you quickly compare and save.
Fallen tree branches
Accumulating ice and snow can cause tree limbs to snap and damage roofs, windows, fences and other objects.
Your homeowners insurance will typically cover the damage, but you're responsible for trimming branches close to your home and clearing away dead trees. If the tree was dead or if multiple limbs were dangling above your home before the storm, your insurer could deny your claim.
Car damage
If your car is damaged by snow or fallen branches, you'll need to file a claim with your car insurance company — even if it was parked inside a garage. You'll need a comprehensive policy to file a claim.
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FAQs
Is snow damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to the structure of your homw from the weight of snow, ice or sleet, and resulting leaks or flooding. Check your policy to see if belongings and furniture are also covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Homeowners insurance can cover water damage that's sudden and accidental, and that comes from within your home. So a burst pipe may be covered. However, water coming from outside your home, like flooding, requires a flood insurance policy.
How do you file a homeowners insurance claim?
The process for filing a claim varies, but you'll want to document the incident with photos or video and make any emergency repairs to stop further damage. Then, go online or call your agent to submit a claim. You'll work with a claims adjuster, and if your claim is approved, you should receive funds to pay for the repairs (minus any deductible).
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