After the Winter Storm: What You Should Know about Your Homeowners Insurance

Another winter storm has come and gone. It probably made some news headlines, and it may have even brought some damage to your property.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? 

Once you verify that your property has been damaged, it’s a good idea to evaluate whether filing a claim is the right move for you.

If you do decide to file a claim, you will want to do so in a prompt and timely fashion. Many policies will give a reasonable time to report damage, but policies vary and you should familiarize yourself with the requirements that apply to your policy. Take photos and videos of the damage. Reach out to your local agent to see how filing a claim could play out in the long run.

Tree Damage from Winter Storms and Homeowners Insurance

In some scenarios, such as after an ice storm, your homeowners insurance may cover tree debris removal. Policies vary and so you will want to check yours to verify , but many policies will respond if a tree falls on your home or driveway because of:

• The weight of snow or ice
• A hail storm
• A windstorm
•  

However, it should be noted that your homeowners policy likely has a limit on tree removal. It is wise to be familiar with these limits. To review your home insurance policy, reach out to your local insurance agent.

How to File a Claim After a Winter Storm 

Evaluate the Damage 

Once it is safe to get to the affected area, take photos and videos of the damage. Document problem areas like missing siding or broken windows.

Review Your Policy 

Take a look at your homeowners policy and reach out to your local agent to see what may be covered.

Alert Your Insurance Company 

If you have decided to file a claim, reach out to your insurance company via phone or digitally. You’ll want to provide them with your policy number, the date of the storm, and a summary of what happened. Be sure to save your claim number.

Contractors & Repair Estimates 

You may need to get a written estimate from a contractor for repairs. Who you choose for a contractor is ultimately up to you, while your insurance company may have some recommendations. Getting more than one quote so you can compare is a wise choice.

Protect Your Home with Homeowners Insurance  

Winter is a good time for you to evaluate your home insurance to make sure you have appropriate coverage. If you have made any renovations to your home, you should notify your insurance agency to ask if your coverage is still appropriate for your situation. If you have questions on what your home insurance policy covers, reviewing it with a local insurance agent is a smart idea.

 

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.