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The polar vortex-induced cold snap currently affecting America has already led to dozens of deaths, but the severe weather event can also significantly damage property, an expert has warned.
Sub-arctic temperatures have caused some homes to experience busted pipes, cracked windows, fallen branches, roof collapses, and even ice damming. Fortunately, homeowners’ insurance will cover most winter-related damage to homes, said American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) chief claims counsel Jim Whittle.
Whittle recommends that consumers should file their claims as early as possible.
“In events like these there will be lots of people in your situation,” he said.
He advised property owners to take steps to prevent further damage – things such as covering broken windows or holes in the roof with tarp will go a long way. Whittle also offered a reminder that homeowners should not start any work on their homes until the damage has been inspected by an insurer.
Whittle gave several tips for specific insurance coverage types – things that both insurers and policyholders would do well to keep in mind:
Homeowners’ insurance
As long as there are no signs of “obvious neglect,” homeowners’ insurance will cover for any weather-related damages to homes, Whittle told USA Today. But when it comes to burst frozen pipes, homeowners’ insurance might only cover for the damage, but not the replacement of the actual pipe, Whittle cautioned.
Auto insurance
Although 49 out of the 50 states require auto liability coverage, many do not require comprehensive or collision insurance – the types of coverage that will pay for winter-related damage, Whittle explained. Comprehensive coverage will cover things such as a branch falling on to and cracking a windshield, while collision coverage pays for damages such as a car skidding off an icy road and into a ditch. Whittle recommends that customers should check if they are adequately covered.
Renters’ insurance
Whittle offered a reminder that renters’ insurance mainly covers three areas.
“It’s about liability if someone slips and falls on property, it’s the contents and the inside of property,” he said.
This means that while renters’ insurance will cover the replacement of sheet rock inside an apartment, structural damage should be covered by the landlord’s insurance.
