Prepare for a Claim-Free Winter
By Sue C. Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE, CLP-A – Senior Vice President
A home is a major investment, and every precaution should be taken to protect it. As cold weather approaches it is a good time for agents to partner with their insureds to reduce the risk of loss. Helping clients understand and mitigate possible cold weather claims is another value-added service of the professional insurance agent.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, losses from winter storms exceeded $3.4 billion nationwide in 2023. Water damage and freezing claims averaging $12,514 each represent 29.4% of Homeowners claims. Some of these losses can be avoided or reduced. Sensors that warn of water flowing or that shut off water automatically can help to minimize damage.
A common winter problem is ice damming. Warmer roof temperatures melt snow which subsequently re-freezes in the roof overhang. This produces a “dam” which can back up under the shingles and leak into the house during the next period of thaw. Insulating and reducing temperature in the attic helps to combat ice damming. The weight of snow buildup can cause roof damage and may result in collapse of the entire roof. Using a special rake to clear the snow from the roof can reduce the chance of damage or collapse. Care must be taken to avoid injury from falling ice and snow. Climbing up on the roof is never a good idea.
Proper winterization involves much more than replacing screens with storm doors and glass windows. For example, gutters and downspouts can collect leaves and debris. If not removed, water can back up, putting unnecessary weight on the gutters and causing them to bend or dislodge. Covering gutters with screens will help keep them clean, but they should still be checked annually for holes or blockages such as animal nests.
Check your property for trees or limbs that are close to the house or power lines and could fall on them Limbs laden with ice or snow become extremely heavy. Trimming them back a safe distance could prevent a power outage or damage to a dwelling or other property. It is recommended that any gutter or tree work be done by a professional to avoid damage or injury. Insulate exterior plumbing and faucets or turn them off and drain to prevent freezing and potential water damage claims. Pipes in unheated garages, attics and crawl spaces should also be insulated.
Fires during the winter season are a major cause of Homeowners insurance claims. Chimneys should be inspected annually and cleaned regularly. Fireplace and woodstove ash must be stored in a covered, fireproof container until completely cooled. Keep fireplace screens in place to reduce the chance of sparks igniting rugs, wood floors and furniture. Lit candles should never be left unattended. Avoid the use of space heaters whenever possible. However, if one is necessary, then it is advisable to use an electric space heater with an automatic tip over shutoff. Never use space heaters near flammable items. In the kitchen, stovetops, hoods, fans and filters should be cleaned regularly of cooking grease to help prevent fires.
In addition to property claims, ice and snow can lead to trip and fall and other liability hazards. Keeping a bag of ice melt handy and clearing all sidewalks and driveways promptly will reduce risk of injuries to your guests or loved ones.
Some homeowners may not be aware of these winter hazards. It is often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Helping clients protect their most valuable assets is the mark of a true insurance professional.
This article is for educational and discussion purposes only and it is not insurance or legal advice and should not be relied upon when making insurance or legal decisions. Nothing herein shall be construed to constitute a legal or underwriting opinion. Nothing herein shall be construed as offering any political, social, or public policy opinion by the author or MSO. Neither the author nor MSO are responsible for errors in, or the accuracy or currentness of, the article.
