Did you know that many homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover everything nature can throw at you? And you may be left out in the cold should a disaster happen. Let’s look at some common things that are excluded from a normal homeowner’s policy that may become a problem for you during the cold winter months.
Flooding
In many homeowner insurance policies, flooding is not including, but is an add on item. During the winter, flooding is surprisingly common after a big snowstorm. During a storm, roofing or gutters can be damaged increasing the chances for leaks. After a big storm there can be a significant amount of water when the temperature rises and things begin to thaw. This water can easily make it into your home if your roof is damaged or compromised.
Not Winterizing
Some homeowners policies exclude coverage from storm damage if the home hasn’t been properly winterized. For example, if flooding occurs due to a burst pipe because the water was not shut off, the policy is not responsible to pay out for that damage. Another example would be freezing pipes if the home temperature is not maintained to a high enough degree.
Part of ensuring your home is ready for winter is having the roof and foundation checked for weaknesses and damage. If your home’s foundation is compromised, your insurance policy may not cover additional damage that happens as a result of winter weather. To prevent these issues this winter, have your roof inspected and your foundation looked at for any glaring issues.
Leaving the Home Unattended
Many policies will refuse coverage if the home has been left unattended for a significant amount of time. If, for example, you own a rental property that doesn’t have a tenant, and the home is not being cared for, your policy may not cover preventable damage which may occur. Without someone checking on the home to make sure the roof, gutters, siding, etc. aren’t compromised, the insurance company may refuse coverage.
If you are unsure what your homeowners insurance policy covers, give us a call at Freedom Insurance Agency today. Our Carroll County insurance agency can help you decide what policy is the best fit for your home this upcoming winter. Our job is keeping our customers happy and feeling secure in their home, and we’d love to work with you to put your mind at ease.
