Snowstorms and home insurance: what you need to know

Snowstorms: prevention is key!

While you can’t control Mother Nature, there are still some things you can do to prevent the worst from happening in a winter storm.

Clearing snow and ice

If snow and ice are accumulating on the roof of your home, it’s best to remove this build-up, which can cause water infiltration or even permanent structural damage. You should ideally entrust this job to a professional, especially when it comes to ice clearing, which can be dangerous if not done properly. If you prefer to do the work yourself, use a shovel with a telescopic handle so you can stay on the ground. Be careful not to damage the shingles. If you must use a ladder, be very cautious: the risks of falling or being electrocuted are real. Also keep an eye out for icicles that may have formed around the edge of your home’s roof: not only are they dangerous, but they generally indicate poor insulation or poor air circulation in the attic. Also, be sure to remove any snow accumulation from your car shelter, hot tub and above-ground pool.

Dealing with strong winds

In winter, it’s best to keep an eye on weather forecasts, which can vary significantly from one day to the next. If strong winds are expected, make sure the doors and windows are well locked and put away any items outside that may blow away in the wind, such as a garbage bin or barbecue. Park your car away from trees, street lights and electrical wires. If you’re worried about a power failure, unplug your electronics to avoid a possible surge.

Property damage and home insurance

If your home was damaged by a winter storm, promptly contact your insurer, which will let you know what coverage is included in your home insurance policy. If you have comprehensive, or “all risks” home insurance, such as CAA-Quebec’s No-Stress Policy®, a roof collapse and damage to furniture and electronics caused by snow or ice will be covered. If you want to protect your home from water or snow infiltration that may occur during a winter storm, add the “Water Damage” endorsement provided for this purpose to your home insurance policy. In all cases, taking pictures of the property damage and gathering the documents that will facilitate your claim, such as an inventory of damaged goods, invoices or a police report, will be very helpful to you. If you’re forced to throw out food because of a power outage, make a note of the nature and price of each item that’s gone to waste. Ideally, take a “group shot” of all the food you’ve discarded. And most importantly, make sure your home is safe and be sure not to make matters worse. By contacting your insurer promptly, you’ll be able to quickly begin the claim process.