Winter Storm Questions & Answers
Posted: 12/22/2011
Q: What are some steps homeowners can take in advance of a winter storm to help prevent or minimize damage? A: Have a plan. What will your alternate heat and/or power source be? Where will you go if your residence is not fit to live in? Most areas have emergency plans — who can you contact locally for assistance? City/County/Red Cross/Faith-Based Group? Good general maintenance of your property will minimize opportunity for loss during winter storms. If you lose power during freezing temperatures and it becomes necessary for you to leave your residence unattended, turning off the main water source could prevent serious water damage if any plumbing is affected.
Q: What kinds of winter storm damages are typically covered by homeowners insurance policies?
A: Homeowners insurance policies cover direct damage from sudden accidents, such as damage to structures from falling trees, wind and frozen pipes. Coverage is excluded for ongoing damages such as rot, deterioration or failure of the property owner to protect the property as best as possible before, during or after the incident.
Q: If wet and heavy snow causes roofs, porches, carports and outbuildings to collapse, will homeowners insurance cover the costs of repairing the damage?
A: Yes, subject to coverage limits and other policy provisions.
Q: How soon after a storm hits should a homeowner call the insurance company to file a claim?
A: The easiest way to report damage is to report a claim online at usaa.com. Members should first be certain they and their families are safe and then immediately notify USAA of their loss.
Q: Is damage due to a winter storm-related power failure covered by homeowners insurance?
A: USAA homeowners and renters policies cover limited losses of refrigerated products as a consequence of a power failure.
Q: If a winter storm power outage makes a home temporarily uninhabitable, does homeowners insurance cover incidentals associated with temporary living expenses such as hotel and meals?
A: USAA policies provide coverage only for "Additional Living Expenses" if a loss covered by the policy damages the structure making it uninhabitable. Coverage is for any necessary increase in living expenses such as a hotel stay or the increased cost of meals. Additional living expense due solely to a power outage would not be covered.
Q: If trees or large tree limbs fall from wind or from the weight of snow and/or ice and cause damage to the property, will it be covered by homeowners insurance?
A: Structures insured under the policy are covered against falling trees and/or tree limbs. Property contained inside of buildings is covered if the falling objects create an opening allowing rain or snow to enter and cause further damage. Some insured property, such as boats and trailers, is subject to special limits. There is no coverage for fallen trees and limbs if there is no damage to an insured structure.
Q: If the damage occurs to a car parked at a home, would it be covered by homeowners or auto insurance?
A: Coverage follows the most specific insurance, which, in this case, would be auto insurance. Homeowners, renters and fire policies contain specific exclusions for coverage of damage to motor vehicles. Some policies provide limited coverage for golf carts.
Q: Is damage due to frozen/burst water pipes covered by homeowners insurance?
A: Policies provide coverage for this damage as long as the dwelling is not vacant, unoccupied or under construction without heat being maintained or the plumbing system drained.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover replacement or care of trees and/or other plants damaged by a winter storm?
A: Insurance covers the expense to remove a tree that has fallen onto a structure to allow repair of the damaged structure. In addition the homeowner policy allows up to an additional $500 for removal of debris from that tree from the premises. There is no coverage for the damage to trees, shrubs or other plants from winter storms. The policy provides limited coverage for specific causes of loss named in the policy.
Q: What about damage due to snow-melt leakage?
A: Damage from a leaking roof is covered subject to the limits and provisions of the policy. If the storm has damaged the roof, the related roof repair is also covered. However, if the leak results from worn or improperly installed roofing or flashing, only the resulting interior damage is covered and then only if no exclusion applies.
Q: What can a homeowner do to help expedite payment of a claim due to a winter storm?
A: Keep copies of all related expenses and provide them to USAA when requested. If you have lost refrigerated products, complete an inventory and estimate the replacement cost. If temporary repairs were made to prevent further damage, obtain a detailed receipt from the repair person. If you have had structural damage, USAA may send someone to your property to assist in estimating the cost of your covered repairs, but you will still want to obtain a bid from a qualified repair person prior to having the work done.
Q: How do I find a qualified repair person/contractor?
A: USAA has a Property Direct Repair Program in most major cities in the U.S. Let your adjuster know if you are interested in learning more about this program. The Better Business Bureau, major home repair retailers and local building departments often have lists of contractors in your local area that are qualified for the type work needed.
Q: What should I expect to pay for my repairs covered by insurance?
A: You should only have to pay the amount of your policy deductible once you have been paid for all agreed-upon damages. Major claim payments will also require that USAA name any other parties on the claims check, such as your mortgage company or any co-owner of the property. We recommend you contact them to find out what their process is to release the funds so you have the money available to pay the contractor once repairs are completed. Many smaller claims do not require any name on the claims payment other than the persons named with you on the policy, such as a spouse.
We recommend you obtain an agreed, written contract that is within the USAA prepared estimate prior to beginning the repairs. Let your claims adjuster know if you or your contractor has any questions about the scope or cost of the repairs prior to having the work done.
Q: What other resources are available to help me prepare for possible winter storms?
A: Several organizations have helpful information available online.
https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/advice_winter_storm_questions
