If you own a home, you need to have homeowners insurance. This type of insurance helps ensure that you’ll be covered financially in the event of an emergency. However, not all emergencies are covered by all policies. Winter comes with a unique set of claims caused by harsh weather conditions. Here’s how you can see if ice dams, a common issue in colder climates, are covered by your policy.
What are ice dams?
An ice dam is a build up of ice on your roof that can lead to serious issues, like torn gutters and water that’s blocked by the dam flowing into your home. Fortunately, you can generally prevent them by safely removing snow from your roof. Insulating your attic can also help you avoid ice dams. However, once they build up, they tend to become dangerous for your home.
Coverage under standard homeowners insurance policies
Homeowners insurance typically provides dwelling coverage for ice-related damage, which would include your roof and the parts of your home that become damaged by ice dam damage. However, it may or may not cover your personal property, ice dam removal or many of the other types of damage caused by ice dams. You’ll want to review your coverage and consider taking steps to protect your home if you’re in an area that’s prone to winter storm damage.
