Winter comes with ice and snow, especially in Frederick, MD. This means trouble for many homeowners. Generally, homeowners insurance policies do cover ice damage. However, you probably have a few questions in your mind about the details. Let’s look at some answers.

1. Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Hail can do severe harm to windows and roofs, but most homeowners' insurance policies consist of dwelling coverage. This helps cover particular perils, including all ice damage.

If hail damages property other than your home (an unattached garage or shed, for instance), it will be covered under other structures coverage in most policies. However, it can be part of the homeowners' insurance coverage in other policies.

Don’t forget that insurance provides security up to the limits indicated in a policy. Moreover, other policy limitations and restrictions may apply. Contact your insurance agent to get information to guide you in selecting the levels of protection that meet your needs.

2. Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Roof Collapses Caused Due to Ice-Related Damage?

During the winter season, ice collecting on your roof can cause horrible issues. Roof collapses can happen when your roof simply cannot tolerate the ice’s weight.

Insurance may cover the expenses of repairing or replacing a collapsed roof. If your house is entirely ruined, a homeowners' insurance policy may also be used for additional living expenses. For example, it may cover a hotel bill while your home is under repair. Be sure to look at the coverage’s terms and conditions to confirm these details.

No one likes to deal with roof damage and homeowners can avoid these events by taking some precautionary measures. Clearing the roof of ice and cleaning gutters are helpful preventative measures. At DC Generals, we’re available to help you with these services to ensure both your safety and the safety of your roof.

3. Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Ice Dams?

When ice forms on the border of the roof, it results in an ice dam. These dams stop water from running off your roof and result in water damage.

Dwelling coverage can include repairing damage from an ice dam. However, personal property coverage generally does not provide security for the loss of your private belongings. Should your dwelling coverage pay for water damage caused by an ice dam, you would still have to pay for the services to remove it.

Moreover, even if a loss is guarded, insurance policy limits and terms will apply. We advise you to look at your policy conditions carefully to learn about what securities you have in place. After that, you can talk with your agent to figure out whether you may benefit from additional coverage or not.

4. Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

Homeowners’ insurance could protect damage to homes from frozen pipes, leaking ones, and pipes that burst. However, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners counsels that this may not be the case every time. Pipes outside usually burst due to inadequate temperature maintenance inside a house. Read your policy terms carefully to know how much coverage you may have for burst pipes.

5. Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Injuries on Ice?

Falling ice or ice on the ground can be hazardous to both homeowners and their visitors, potentially causing injuries that can be the source of a lawsuit. This type of accountability coverage generally comes with homeowners' insurance. It can save you if you are found legally guilty after a visitor is injured on your property. In this case, the liability coverage may help pay for a person's medical bills and help cover your legal expenses. Bear in mind that liability policies also have terms and limits.

If you want to prepare for another winter season, DC Generals can help you understand the essentials of your policy. We can provide you with services and information to help you make any required changes. You cannot get rid of the cold, but with our services, you can spend the chilly months in comfort and with peace of mind. Keep practicing regular maintenance – and call us if you need help!