Preventable Damage Can Mean a Denied Claim
Winter weather brings specific risks, but the biggest insurance threat isn’t the snow itself—it’s homeowner negligence. Standard home insurance policies generally cover sudden and accidental damage from weather events. However, the insurance company expects you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent a loss. If a claim results from a lack of maintenance, it can be denied.
The Top Three Claims and the “Reasonable Steps” to Protect Coverage
1. Burst Pipes from Freezing ($$$)
- The Insurance Risk: Most policies cover the water damage from a burst pipe. BUT, if the insurer determines the pipe froze because you turned the heat off or didn’t maintain a reasonable temperature, they can deny the claim due to negligence. This is a common issue for vacant or vacation homes.
- Action for Homeowners:
- Keep the Heat On: Never turn your heat completely off, even when traveling. Set the thermostat to a reasonable minimum.
- Insulate & Open: Insulate exposed pipes in cold areas (crawl spaces, attics, garages). Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
- External Faucets: Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the water to exterior spigots, then drain them.
2. Ice Dams and Water Intrusion ($$$)
- The Insurance Risk: An ice dam (a ridge of ice at the roof’s edge) can cause water to back up under shingles, leading to leaks and water damage inside the home (walls, ceilings, attic). Insurance usually covers the resulting water damage but will almost never pay for the removal of the ice dam itself.
- Action for Homeowners:
- Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters prevent melting snow from draining, contributing to dam formation. Clear all leaves and debris now.
- Improve Ventilation/Insulation: The root cause is a warm attic melting snow, which then refreezes on the cold roof edge. Ensure proper attic ventilation and insulation to keep the attic cold.
- Immediate Action: If an ice dam forms, homeowners should hire a professional to clear it safely to prevent a loss.
3. Tree/Branch Falls (Liability and Property Damage)
- The Insurance Risk: Damage to your home from a tree falling due to the weight of snow/ice or wind is generally covered. However, if a tree was clearly dead, diseased, or rotten before the storm, the insurer could argue the loss was due to poor property maintenance and deny the claim.
- Action for Homeowners:
- Trim and Remove: Inspect trees near your home for dead or weak branches and have them professionally trimmed or removed before heavy snow/ice hits.
- Liability: Your policy also includes liability coverage, which kicks in if a visitor slips and falls on an icy walkway. Homeowners are expected to take reasonable steps to clear and salt these areas to prevent injury.
Your best defense is proactive maintenance. Don’t just assume your policy will cover a winter loss; your insurer is looking for evidence that you did your part to protect your home. Review your policy, take preventative action now, and ensure your home is ready for the cold before the first deep freeze.