Winter storms are the third most costly natural disaster in the US behind hurricanes and tornadoes. The more common winter claims include burst pipes, collapsed roofs, and car accidents. If you have been out over the past few days you instantly feel and see winter’s powerful punch. We are past the point where you can still effectively winterize your home. There are still many potential home hazards out there that you may not have considered but it’s not too late to protect yourself from a liability claim. Here are a few ways that homeowner’s insurance can come into play over the next few days as the temperature plummets.
Icicles
Claims involving icicles are more common than you would think. When snow is melting off of your roof and then there is a quick drop in temperature that melting snow will freeze and form dangerous icicles that hang over your gutter. They can break and hit someone visiting your home or cause damage to their property. The liability portion of your home insurance would pay for the cost of defending you in court and any court awards up to the limit of your policy .Your policy also provides no-fault medical coverage. If someone is injured at your home, the visitor could submit medical bills to your insurance company.
More Ice
Slipping and falling injuries also go hand and hand with snow and ice. A clear driveway or sidewalk is a good start but not full proof. Think about this scenario. You get up early to shovel your driveway and sidewalk, throw some salt down to break up the ice and then you are on your way. As the ice melts from the salt or maybe the sun peeks out and melts some of the snow your shoveled areas become wet. A drop in temperature or a kick up in the wind can instantly turn your driveway and sidewalk into an ice skating rink. This leaves you, and your visitors, your kids friends, and if you are responsible for your sidewalk your neighbors walking by more susceptible to slip and fall injuries on your property.
The same thing happens on the roadways. Plow trucks clear the snow and salt the roadways. The salt melts the snow and ice leaving water behind. A high wind or a temperature drop will cause the roadway to freeze over. The result is dangerous black ice that is not clearly visible and the roads needing to be re-treated.
A Step Ahead
Preparing a home for winter starts long before the weather turns cold and it’s always an ongoing process. Homeowner’s insurance can be looked at the same way. You want to make sure you have the right agent, the right policy, and the right homeowner’s insurance carrier before you need to use it. You want to be prepared ahead of time just like you would for any type of winter storm.
To make sure you are prepared to weather the storm you want to have a homeowner’s insurance policy with the John J Suppa Agency. Call John Suppa or Tiffany Baird at 412-238-8200 right away to review your existing policy. We will make sure all of your bases are covered and that you are Safe with Suppa.