Question: If somebody slips and gets hurt on the icy sidewalk outside of my home, will my homeowner’s insurance cover medical bills?
Answer: Winter introduced a slew of risks for homeowners, many of which can be managed through proper insurance coverage and planning (don’t forget to winterize your exterior plumbing!). I talked to my go-to insurance contact, Seth Kutner of ACO Insurance ([email protected]) about common winter claims and how they are handled by homeowners insurance.
Homeowners Insurance can cover most winter-related claims if the policy is set up properly. Considering the high cost of the average insurance claim, it's important to know what is and isn't covered.
Trip & fall lawsuits
Make sure to properly clear your sidewalk area of snow and ice because you may be liable for someone tripping and falling on the sidewalk outside of your house in hazardous conditions. The liability coverage on your homeowners insurance will cover this and Seth recommends that everyone have a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage.
Burst pipes due to freezing
During the winter months, freezing pipes are a common issue that can lead to major problems. When the temperature drops, water inside your pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to expand and potentially burst. This can lead to significant water damage, expensive repairs, and the inconvenience of being without running water. To prevent freezing pipes, make sure to insulate any exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas. If you do experience freezing pipes, it is important to call a plumber right away to help clear the pipe. In most cases, damage caused by a burst pipe from freezing is covered by insurance, a common exception is to a vacant home with the heat off.
Wind damage
Whether wind directly damages your home or causes a tree to fall on your home, most policies cover the resulting damage. The deductible that you pay for this type of claim may be different than your normal deductible. Depending on your policy, this could be 2-5 times larger than your normal deductible. Some insurance companies have raised these deductibles and unless you have read your declaration pages (not common), you may not be aware of the changes.
Water backup
After snow melts, it can create a large amount of water around the house. If you have a sump-pump, make sure that your insurance policy covers "Water/Sewer Backup" or the damage caused if your sump pump fails might not be covered. This is one of the most common home insurance gaps that catches homeowners off-guard with expensive uncovered repairs.
Chimney Inspections
As the weather gets cold, many homeowners will be firing up their chimney (literally). Regular chimney inspections are essential. Over time, chimneys accumulate debris, soot, and creosote, which are not only fire hazards but can also obstruct proper airflow, leading to dangerous carbon monoxide indoors. Regular inspections and chimney cleaning will help minimize risk, so you don’t find yourself with a fire-related insurance claim (covered) or breathing hazardous carbon monoxide.
I find that homeowners insurance is often an afterthought for many homeowners. It’s a box they check when buying a home and they choose the path of least resistance to get a policy. It’s this approach that can leave you exposed and surprised by costly uncovered insurance events. Having a real person review and design a policy for you based on where you live, what you own, and the type of home you’re in can be extraordinarily valuable. If you need a great resource for this, reach out to Seth at [email protected].
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
