Insurance Questions for Winter Weather

Winter Insurance Q & A’s
Depending on how you look at it, January through March can be a winter wonderland or the most dangerous time of year. Cars skidding on icy highways, snowy roofs caving in. . . If you want to enjoy the winter, just make sure you have the right insurance coverage. Below we’ve compiled some of the most common winter insurance Q & A’s to help you navigate this slippery season!
What winter damages am I covered for? Usually, standard Homeowner policies cover things like flooding from melting snow, roof damage from the weight of snow, frozen pipes, falling trees, high winds and temporary relocation due to a power outage. You should call your insurance company to find out exactly what coverages you have.
What happens if someone falls on my icy driveway?  After a storm, you haven’t had time to get outside and salt your driveway. Then a delivery person slips and falls on your property and threatens to sue you. What are your options? First, make sure you have Liability coverage in your Homeowners Insurance policy. This will help cover medical and/or legal costs in the event someone has an accident on your property.  Remember, Liability coverage differs from Personal Property coverage. Liability protects you in case of lawsuits, while Personal Property covers you for stolen or damaged belongings, including jewelry or furniture.
Winter is causing serious damage to my house, from ice dams to burst pipes. How do I know if I’m able to make a claim? Odds are, your Homeowners policy will cover things like this. However, if your insurance company believes you’ve neglected to properly maintain your home, they may not cover some things. For example, to keep pipes from bursting, you should keep the heat on, or let your faucets drip slowly at night so the water won’t freeze. Taking good care of your roof and applying effective insulation will help prevent ice dams from forming. If you haven’t done some of these things, you could be considered negligent, and your claim denied.
How soon do I need to contact my insurance company? As soon as you realize you have damage to your house caused by winter weather. Call immediately, so too much time won’t pass after the storm.
What if someone steals my car while it’s warming up? We all do it. It’s freezing outside, and we’d like to get the engine, and mostly the heat, revved up before we have to go. Yet during the winter, car thieves are trolling driveways to see if a car is unattended. If your vehicle should get stolen, you can replace the cost of it with Comprehensive Auto Insurance coverage. Comprehensive is the way to go, especially for accidents caused by natural events, too, like a tree branch cracking your windshield in a storm.
What if I skid off the road and land in a ditch? Before winter comes, check that you have Roadside Assistance included in your coverage. This will enable you to call for a tow truck, instead of having to be stranded in a major snow storm. It will also be helpful in case your car battery dies.
Zawada Insurance Agency is your all-in-one resource for helping you find the right coverage for you and your family. We’re a family-owned and operated independent insurance agency, working to get you the most comprehensive coverage at a competitive price.
For more information about auto, life, homeowner and other insurance coverages, please contact Zawada Insurance Agency today.
Zawada Insurance Agency, Inc. located in Worcester, Massachusetts, serving central Massachusetts and beyond.