Insurance Coverage for Winter
Winter can be a difficult time for your home, car and possessions. You want to be sure you are fully protected by your insurance for anything that could occur during the season. You should consider a few things about your insurance coverage for the winter.
- Falling branches and ice: Something to be concerned about is the possibility of falling branches or ice. Dead or rotting branches could fall and damage your roof or windows. A large branch could break off and fall on top of your car or the car of a neighbor. You need to check your homeowner policy to ensure this type of damage is covered. Consider getting comprehensive auto insurance to cover any damage done to your car by falling branches or ice.
- Burst pipes: Another serious issue to consider is a burst pipe. A single burst pipe can cause significant water damage to the structure of your house. You want to carefully examine your homeowner policy to see exactly how burst pipes are treated. Some policies will cover repair costs. Others will not if you were not home when the pipes burst. Some insurers require you to buy separate insurance for this type of water damage. Be prepared and review your policy.
- Indoor fires: Winter is a time when indoor fires occur more frequently than usual. This is often because of malfunctioning heating systems, unsafe space heaters or even fireplaces used when the temperatures drop. Be certain that you know the terms of what your policy will cover. Look at the amount of coverage and make sure it matches what you could spend today on repairs after a fire.
- Slips and falls: Steps, driveways and sidewalks can become slippery in the winter. You need to be prepared if a guest or other person slips and falls while walking around your property. Go over your policy and see exactly how much coverage you have. Take steps to keep your property safe such as spreading salt or sand on the ground for added traction. You can often limit your liability by taking reasonable precautions against slips and falls.
*
