Homeowner insurance usually covers damage from:
- Wind
- Wind-driven rain
- Falling trees
- Snow and ice damage
Filing a claim may increase your premium. Also, your insurer may not renew your coverage due to claims, even for small payments. Because of this, you may want to consider paying to fix damages instead of filing a claim.
Here are some of the most common reasons people file insurance claims during winter weather. We've also explained what you need to know if you're in one of these situations.
A tree falls on your home
Call your insurer or agent as soon as possible. Take photos or video of the damage. If it's safe, take steps to limit further damage, such as covering broken windows or leaking roofs.
Don't make permanent repairs until your insurer has seen the property and you've agreed on repairs. Save all receipts, including those for temporary repairs (tarps, plywood, etc.).
If you can't stay in your home, ask your insurer if you have coverage for living costs during repair work. Save those receipts, too.
If you hire someone to repair your home, even someone your insurance agent recommends, make sure they're registered with the state.
Removing fallen trees and branches
Homeowner insurance usually doesn't cover tree removal and cleanup unless the tree fell on your home, garage, car, etc.
Your carport collapses onto your car
Your car: If your car insurance includes comprehensive coverage, it should cover the damage to your car.
Your carport: Your homeowner insurance should cover the damage to your carport.
Remember, both policies have deductibles.
A neighbor's tree falls on your house
Your homeowner insurer will often pay, even if it was the neighbor's tree. If so, you'll need to pay the deductible. If you can show it was the neighbor's fault, your insurer may be able to make your neighbor's insurer pay. But that can be hard to prove.
Losing a boat due to strong winds
If strong winds sink or damage your boat, your coverage depends on your boat insurance. Check your policy and talk with your insurance agent.
Losing a TV or appliance to a power surge
Homeowner insurance usually covers appliances and electronics that power surges ruin, even if an outage didn't cause it. But consider your deductible. Especially if you have low-cost or old equipment, it may not be worth filing a claim.
Losing refrigerated food to a power outage
Homeowner insurance sometimes covers this, but it may not be worth filing a claim. Replacing the food may be less expensive, especially if you have a high deductible.
Your pipes freeze and burst in winter
Your homeowner insurance should cover you. However, to avoid this, keep your home above 60 degrees during winter. You should also drain, cover or insulate your outside faucets to keep them from freezing.
If you leave home for a long time, keep your home at above-freezing temperatures. If you don't keep your home warm enough, your insurance may not cover burst pipes or other damage.
Floods
You need flood insurance to protect your home from flood water. You can buy it through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Landslides
Homeowner insurance doesn't cover landslides. If your home is in an area where landslides happen, talk with your agent to find other insurers who offer separate landslide coverage.