A major winter storm system is expected to bring extreme cold, ice, freezing rain and inches of snow to a swath of the U.S., ranging from the Rockies to New England this weekend. More than 200 million people could be affected.
If you’re in the path of the storm, insulating exterior pipes and faucets, fixing leaks and clearing gutters can help prevent damage before it starts. But the unexpected is always possible. As ice and snow accumulate, the weight can damage power lines and tree limbs, and pipes can burst from freezing.
If winter weather damages your house, leaning on your homeowners insurance will be critical. Here’s what your policy will cover.
What winter weather damage will homeowners insurance cover?
Frozen pipes burst
If a pipe in your home freezes and bursts, the damage can be costly. Luckily, this is a scenario your homeowners insurance would cover.
Your homeowners insurance can help you resolve any resulting water damage, including damage to your home’s structure and surfaces, as well as your belongings and furniture.
However, homeowners insurance may not cover the cost of the pipe repair itself, depending on your policy. This type of repair can range from $200 to $3,000, according to home services company HomeAdvisor. Additionally, your claim could also be denied if your pipes burst because your home wasn’t kept at a reasonable temperature, even if you weren’t home.
Roof leaks from snow, ice or sleet
Your roof is one of the more vulnerable parts of your home when snow, ice and sleet fall— and this kind of damage would be covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy.
In some cases, damage can happen as the snow melts, as remaining ice can prevent water from running off the roof, leading to pooling and leakage. In severe cases, a roof can even collapse.
Your roof’s damage may be covered in the case of a collapse or a leak. However, homeowners insurance may not cover your personal belongings damaged inside by a leak.
If your home’s roof is impacted by snow or ice, take steps to prevent further damage and document the issue and any resulting damage — you’ll need this when you file a homeowners insurance claim.
Your homeowners insurance can help cover the cost of your leak. In severe cases, homeowners insurance can also help cover the cost of temporarily relocating somewhere else, known as loss of use coverage.
Damage from fallen tree branches
When ice and snow accumulate on tree branches, they may snap. If a tree, limb or another object falls on your home and causes damage, your homeowners insurance will typically cover the damage.
There are some caveats, however: if the tree was dead or if multiple limbs were dangling above your home before the storm, your insurer could deny your claim. Trimming branches close to your home and clearing any dead trees in advance of bad weather could help prevent damage before it happens.
If this occurs, document the situation and contact your homeowners insurance company as soon as possible.
If your car is damaged, you’ll need to file a claim with your car insurance even if it was inside a garage or other structure. However, you’ll need to have comprehensive coverage to file a claim for this kind of incident.
Shop for the best homeowners insurance
If the winter storm has you thinking about a new policy, shopping around can be a great way to save while stuck indoors.
CNBC Select has reviewed dozens of companies and picked several homeowners insurance policies that stand out for their coverage, perks and pricing.
Amica’s affordable premiums and generous bundling discount of up to 30% can help bring down the cost of coverage. Nationwide also stands out as a top pick for new homeowners — if you bought your home within the past 12 months, you could get a discount.
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Amica Auto Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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App available
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Policy highlights
Amica offers full and minimum coverage auto insurance, with add-ons accident forgiveness and new car replacement. The Platinum Choice® Auto plan includes new car replacement, credit monitoring and rental coverage with no daily limit.
Pros
- High customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power
- Bundling home and auto can save you up to 30%
- Drivers in some states are eligible for dividends
Cons
- More higher-than-average rates for most driver types
- Switching from 12-month policies to 6-month
Nationwide Homeowners Insurance
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Policy highlights
Add-ons with Nationwide include dwelling replacement cost coverage and losses from water damage, earthquakes, floods and identity theft. Credit card fraud protection is standard
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Maximum coverage
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Availability
Nationwide homeowners policies are available in all states except for Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
Pros
- Rates well below national average
- Discounts for bundling, new homes, staying claims-free and more
- Credit card fraud protection standard
Cons
- Less-than-stellar customer service reviews
- Not available in all states
- Can’t purchase a policy online
Winter weather and homeowners insurance FAQs
Is ice and snow damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from the weight of snow, ice or sleet. While this can create roof damage, the rest of your home’s structure would also be covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Homeowners insurance may cover water damage that’s sudden and accidental, and that comes from within your home. For example, a burst pipe may be covered. However, water coming from outside your home, like flooding, wouldn’t be covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. You’d need a flood insurance policy to cover this.
How do you file a homeowners insurance claim?
The process for filing a homeowners insurance claim varies by company. Typically, you’ll want to document the damage with photos and make any emergency repairs to stop further damage. Then, go online or talk to your agent to submit a claim. You’ll work with a claims adjuster, and if your claim is approved, you should receive funds to cover the cost of repairs minus your deductible.
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At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every homeowners insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
