Be Ready and Covered for Winter Weather

With wintertime weather right around the corner, it is important for consumers to be sure they have the proper insurance coverage in place.

There are a number of different weather scenarios that could inflict not only property damage on one’s home or car in the winter, but also in the wallet should they not be properly covered.

Here are some possible wintertime scenarios to consider and what the ramifications would be if you did not have insurance:

In the event your car is damaged by dropping limbs, that damage should be covered under the comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy. Damage to your carport is likely covered through a standard homeowner policy; remember that each coverage is subject to its own deductible.

If you lose power for several days and food in your freezer thaws and must be discarded, take note that while individual policies differ, this kind of loss would be subject to your deductible (average deductible $250 to $500). It is important to note that an ordinary freezer full of food may not reach that level, so check with your agent.

In the event there is flooding caused by water backing up on your street, take note that the standard homeowner or renters policy does not cover flood damage.

Rising ground water, runoff and seepage also are not covered through a standard homeowner policy. That definition includes water from creeks and streams that overflow their banks, along with runoff due to clogged street drains. Consumers should note that flood coverage is a specific form of coverage which must be acquired separately.

Individuals may be covered under their homeowner policy for other forms of water damage, so check with your agent. Damage due to rain that enters the home through a broken window or hole in the roof caused by a covered event (wind or dropping tree limbs) is covered.

Another potential scenario to deal with is moving to a motel temporarily while the power is out. So, are you covered if this happens?

In the event your home is not habitable due to a covered loss, standard homeowner insurance generally provides cover for your temporary and additional living costs. There is a judgment decision involved in determining whether a home is habitable or not. Added living expenses are those costs over and above what one would normally spend to live in their home.

Consumers also need to take into account that normal power outages are almost always excluded from coverage in the majority of standard homeowner policies. Consumers should check their individual policy and discuss possibilities with their agent before making such a move.

For individuals who may not think they are covered, still file a claim if you feel you are justified. An insurer is obligated under law to explain to a client why any claim is not covered. It also must detail the information to the consumer in terms that the ordinary person will understand.

If your home is threatened by the potential of a landslide, coverage is not usually an option through either standard homeowner policies or flood insurance. The only certain protection for the structure would be added coverage acquired specifically to protect against landslides.

For those consumers who need to file a claim, be sure to check with your agent as it relates to their individual procedures.

Some insurance companies prefer to send an adjuster to your residence or to initially send you a claim form (proof of loss form) to complete. On the other hand, some insurers’ permit their agents to settle lesser claims.

When putting together information for a claim, it is important to provide descriptions of damaged possessions, photos of the undamaged items, dates of purchase, replacement costs and so on.

Winter weather is something many consumers can’t escape, but they can steer clear of having major damages by being properly insured ahead of time.