Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Snow/Hail Damage?
Michigan gets a lot of cold weather. Residents are no strangers to ice, hail, rain, snow, and other extreme weather conditions.
Now that it is winter, you may wonder: Does my homeowners insurance cover weather damage, particularly snow and hail? Snow and hail can come down in buckets, and they can be heavy, causing a lot of damage to your home, vehicle, trees, and other items on your property.
It is not uncommon for snow to cover the roof of a home, causing it to collapse. As the snow melts, it may leave behind water that can result in leaks and rotting wood. Hail can also cause damage to a home.
Would this damage be covered? Most likely, yes. Homeowners insurance typically covers snow and hail damage, but the specifics depend on the policy. Most standard homeowners insurance policies include protection for damage caused by severe weather events, including snow, ice, and hail, as part of the coverage for your home’s structure and personal property. Here’s a look at what is likely covered and what may not.
Covered Situations
- Hail damage. Damage to your roof, siding, and windows caused by hail is usually covered by insurance. However, some policies may have higher deductibles for hail damage than for other types of claims.
- Snow/ice damage. Structural damage caused by the weight of snow or ice is generally covered. Water damage to the interior of your home from ice dams (melting snow that refreezes and blocks proper drainage) might also be covered.
- Loss of use. If your home is deemed unsafe to live in due to snow or hail damage, your policy’s loss of use coverage may cover your living expenses beyond what you’d normally spend, such as meals and a hotel stay. This coverage may be limited to a set dollar amount or a certain number of days.
- Additional structures. Detached structures, like sheds or garages, may be covered if damaged by hail or snow.
- Personal property. Damage to personal belongings caused by a covered peril, like hail, is included. An example would be if hail breaks a window and damages indoor furniture. Your personal property coverage would cover the cost of replacing any personal items that are destroyed up to a certain limit.
Exclusions
- Maintenance-related issues. If damage occurs due to neglect or poor maintenance, it may not be covered.
- Cosmetic damage. Some policies exclude coverage for minor cosmetic damage (such as dents on a metal roof) if the function is still there.
- Flooding. Melting snow that causes water to enter your home as flooding is generally excluded unless you have flood insurance.
Contact Us Today
Snow, hail, and other weather events can cause damage to your home and personal property. Make sure you have adequate coverage.
Hartman Insurance Agency can provide you with homeowners insurance that meets your needs. Contact us to learn about your options. Give us a call at (734) 999-4190 or fill out the online form.