Common Property Insurance Claims During Winter
When winter comes, home and business owners in many areas of the country brace themselves for the worst of the weather and hope to emerge unscathed. The likelihood that there will be damage to your property at some point is high, but there are steps you can take to prevent it or minimize it should it occur by having appropriate insurance coverage. The following are some common property insurance claims made during winter months and how they could have been prevented with proper planning and preparation.
Insurance Claims for Winter
Winter, like summer, has its own set of risks that come with it. Some are more obvious than others; snowfall and ice buildup, for example, can be quite difficult to deal with if you don’t have the proper equipment or know how to use it. However, there are some other risks you might not be as prepared for especially if you’ve never experienced them before. Here are some common property insurance claims during winter that people often don’t think of when they first purchase their coverage.
Aged Windows
If you have a house that is over 30 years old, you are likely in need of window replacements. This could be due to the windows being broken by a stray rock or storm; the sealant breaking and water getting inside, the sealant not sealing properly in the first place, or because it's simply time for an upgrade. As winter approaches and snow starts to fall, people start bundling up and heading outside.
Aging Chimneys
It can be difficult for your chimney to handle the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs in winter. This can cause the exterior of your chimney to crack, which can be a sign of an impending fall. If you see signs of cracking, we recommend hiring a professional to inspect it and make any necessary repairs before another storm hits. A roof is always at risk during winter. When ice dams are up, they put pressure on the roofing material and will eventually lead to water entering the home through seams or cracks in the roof decking.
It is also important to regularly clear away snow from your gutters so that melt water doesn’t pool inside and damage them or force ice into siding cracks around windows, doors, or vents.
Leaky Roofs
In the wintertime, leaky roofs are one of the most common property insurance claims for homeowners. A leaky roof can be caused by snow melting and dripping onto your roof as well as water from a storm seeping through your home. Other causes include ice dams, which form when snow on a roof melts, and chimney caps that may have cracked or loosened.
Poor Waterproofing
A water claim is the most common type of homeowners insurance claim during the winter, and it can occur when you least expect it. Slippery sidewalks, a broken pipe in your basement, or even a leaky faucet can all lead to a water damage incident that requires professional restoration. Though water claims are more likely in the winter, they’re not restricted to this time of year.
Fortunately for you, we have years of experience helping our customers make sure their homes are properly protected from moisture and other weather-related issues.
Structural Damage
If your home sustained structural damage during a storm or other winter-related event, you may be able to file a claim with your property insurance provider. It is important to note that many providers will not cover any structural damage caused by extreme weather events such as hurricanes, blizzards, or tornadoes. However, if you have a policy that includes coverage for wind or hail damage and this type of event caused the damages to your home, then you may be able to file a claim.
Frozen Pipes
During the winter, pipes in homes can freeze and burst. This often results in water damage to floors, walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Frozen Pipes are one of the most common property insurance claims during winter because they happen so quickly. If you think your pipes have frozen or that water is leaking from them for no apparent reason, contact a roof claim adjuster in Arizona as soon as possible.
Flooded Basements
Many homeowners in Arizona have one problem they struggle with each winter season, snow and rain seeping into the basement and damaging their home's interior. With several inches of water sitting on your floor, it is only a matter of time before you'll need to reach out for professional help with water damage cleanup and restoration. That's why Public Insurance Claims Adjusters in Mesa, Arizona offer emergency service to homeowners with flooded basements when disaster strikes.