When Snow Strikes, Will Your Insurance Protect Your Home? The Answer Isn’t Always Yes

On Jan. 25, Winter Storm Fern swept across much of the U.S., leaving heavy snow in her wake.

More than a dozen states got hit with at least a foot of snow, with some regions slammed with even more snow than that.

Bonito Lake, which is 12 miles northwest of Ruidoso, NM, for example, received 31 inches—the most in the country, according to the National Weather Service. Crested Butte, CO, also saw a major impact with a whopping 23 inches.

No matter where you live, the storm proved that home damage is always possible during extreme winter weather. 

And just because you have a home insurance policy, doesn’t mean it’ll cover everything. It’s your responsibility to get up to speed to understand what’s included and what’s not.

What home insurance covers 

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by winter storms, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, as long as the damage is sudden and accidental. 

“Coverage typically applies to both the structure of the home and personal belongings. However, the key factor is cause of loss—policies respond differently depending on whether the damage was caused by a covered peril or by maintenance-related issues,” says Katie Scheuer, division leader at World Insurance Associates in Sioux Falls, SD.

According to Scheuer, homeowners insurance generally covers damage from the weight of snow or ice causing a roof collapse, burst pipes resulting from freezing temperatures, and water damage from burst pipes (excluding the pipe itself in some cases). 

You can also expect coverage for ice dam damage if water backs up into the home, fallen trees or limbs due to snow or ice that damage the structure, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

What it excludes

While a home insurance policy can be fairly comprehensive, it doesn’t cover everything when the snow hits.

For example, flooding caused by snowmelt is excluded as it requires separate flood insurance. 

You’re also out of luck if you have damage resulting from lack of maintenance, such as deteriorated roofs or unaddressed wear and tear. 

“Other exclusions include gradual damage or seepage that occurs over time and certain exterior items like fences, patios, or retaining walls may have limited or no coverage,” explains Scheuer.

The cost to repair a burst pipe itself may be excluded as well. 

Common homeowner misconceptions 

“One of the biggest misconceptions I often hear is that water damage will always be covered by home insurance—no matter where it came from,” explains Jordan Blake, director of communications and operations at Shoreline Public Adjusters in Naples, FL.

According to Blake, most homeowners don't even consider that their policy doesn't cover flooding caused by snowmelt or that ice dam coverage can be challenged if the insurer suspects that they didn't do proper roof maintenance. 

“Another frequently heard assumption is that damage due to frozen pipes is always covered whereas the reality is that insurers can reject claims if they believe that the home was not sufficiently heated,” says Blake.

The good news is savvy homeowners, who have a good understanding of home insurance often extend their dwelling coverage limits to include major structural repairs, acquire equipment breakdown endorsements to protect heating and HVAC systems.

“They may also get service line coverage for underground pipes that can get frozen. Some even add water backup coverage or get flood insurance if their properties are in the flood-prone snowmelt ‍ ​‍‌areas,” adds Blake. 

Expert tips to ensure your coverage works for you

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the most out of your home insurance policy and avoid unwanted financial surprises down the road.

“Before a major winter event, it’s a good idea to prepare your home. Increase the heat slightly, allow faucets to drip, and keep cabinet doors open to warm pipes,” says Chris Bacon, chief operating officer at Openly in Boston.

Annually, review your policy with your agent if you have one, discussing any financial or home changes, especially post-renovation. This can ensure you always have adequate coverage. 

If a loss does occur, contact your insurer or agent immediately. Faster reporting can reduce damage and speed up repairs. 

“Discuss repair options with the carrier; they can quickly deploy emergency experts or offer a network of guaranteed contractors for simpler claim handling,” explains Bacon.

Remember that being proactive—both in prevention and policy review—can make a significant difference when winter weather strikes.