Winter’s Wrath: How to Shield Your Home From Blizzard Damage

Your standard homeowners policy covers damage caused by wind, snow, severe cold, and freezing rain—all common parts of a storm you might call a blizzard.[1] You don’t need to buy a special policy for this kind of coverage, as it’s part of your standard policy. 

The term blizzard didn’t enter the public lexicon until the 1870s, when an Iowa paper used the term for the very first time. Previously, that term was used to describe canon shots or musket fire.[2]

A standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover a few types of blizzard damage. For example, if the snow melts quickly, it can turn into water that seeps into your home and causes flood damage. Without quick cleanup, this water can cause molding. These two types of problems are not part of your standard homeowners policy. 

Blizzard Insurance Coverage: How Does It Work? 

Your standard homeowners insurance policy covers most types of blizzard damage, no matter where you live. 

Blizzard risks are higher in some parts of the country than others. For example, experts say a distinct blizzard zone exists in North Dakota, western Minnesota, and northern South Dakota.[3] 

The chart below illustrates what kinds of blizzard damage are usually covered in a standard homeowners policy. Keep reading for more details. 

	Covered	Not Covered
Wind	X
Weight of snow	X
Ice dams	X
Frozen pipes	X
Flooding from melting snow		X
Mold from flooding		X

What Is Typically Covered? 

A blizzard comes with all sorts of weather-related damage. Many of those issues are covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. The following types of problems attributed to blizzards are generally covered by standard policies:[4]

• Wind damage
• Objects falling on your home from wind 
• Weight of ice, snow, and sleet ruining your roof 
• Ice dams, causing leaks inside your home or collapsing ceilings 
• Frozen pipes 

What Typically Isn’t Covered?

While a standard homeowners policy will cover damage from blizzards, some types of problems aren’t included. These issues include flooding from melting snow and mold that results from this intruding water.[1] Homeowners need special food policies for protection from this type of damage. 

What Items Are Part of a Covered Event?

If a blizzard strikes your home and ruins your property, what kinds of issues will your homeowners insurance help to repair or replace? A standard homeowners insurance policy offers three layers of protection for blizzard-related issues. 

Your home insurance policy has limits, meaning your coverage may not pay for all of the damage you endured. It’s important to review your documents carefully and ensure you’re protected in case of a crisis.

Structure 

Your homeowners insurance policy will pay to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged in a blizzard.[5] Most policies also include coverage for other structures, such as your shed or garage. 

Possessions 

Items like your furniture, clothing, and sports equipment can be ruined if your roof collapses or pipes burst. A typical homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for up to 70% of the insurance you carry for your home.[5] 

Living Expenses 

Most homeowners insurance policies include coverage for additional living expenses (ALEs), or funds you’ll need to cover costs if you must move out due to damage.[6] You could use these funds to help with housing, meals, laundry, and more. 

How to Document Blizzard Damage 

Insurance companies require their policyholders to prove that true damage has occurred. As soon as a storm hits, you should be alert for any problems happening inside or outside of your home. 

Use this checklist to help you spot common damage caused by blizzards:

• Branches falling on your home 
• Missing roof tiles
• Torn down gutters
• Large icicles leading to ice dams 
• Cracked pipes 
• Small leaks around pipes and drains 
• Damp or ruined belongings 
• Cracked or broken windows or doors 

How to File a Blizzard Claim 

Your documentation is an important part of a successful blizzard homeowners insurance claim. Several more steps are required. 

To file a blizzard claim, follow these steps:

1. Contact your agent. 
2. Fill out required forms and paperwork. 
3. Visit with a claims adjuster. 
4. Provide your proof of damage to compel the adjuster to see things your way. 
5. Negotiate for a fair settlement. 

While you move through this process, do your best to prevent further damage. Temporary repairs, such as patching up broken windows and doors, can keep water from entering your home. Don’t make any permanent changes until your adjuster says it’s okay to do so. Preemptive repairs could lead to denied claims. 

How to Prepare for Blizzards

You can’t keep wintry weather away from your home, but you can take steps to protect your home and belongings. The steps you take here can reduce the damage you face, and it could keep your insurance company from rejecting your claim due to neglect. 

The following steps are recommended when a storm hits your property:[8]

• Keep your home at least 65 degrees, so your pipes don’t freeze
• Watch for snow collecting on the downwind side of your roof, and remove it if you can do so safely 
• Keep your gutters free of leaves and debris, so ice dams won’t develop 
• Remove heavy branches from gutters and walkways 

Walk through your home and property regularly, both before and after the storm. It’s your responsibility to keep things safe and tidy. 

Handle Blizzards Like a Pro 

Prevention is the most critical part of a blizzard care plan. Prepare for storms by keeping your property clean and well-trimmed. Make a point to review your insurance coverage yearly, so you have all the protection you need when the worst happens.