Winter storms can wreak havoc on your home, causing thousands of dollars in damage due to various hazards, from heavy snow loads to frozen pipes. Understanding what your homeowner’s insurance covers during extreme winter weather is essential for protecting your investment.

Escalating Costs of Winter Storm Damage

The “Great Texas Freeze” brought the term “polar vortex” into the spotlight when a severe winter storm devastated Texas in February 2021. The freezing temperatures persisted for over eight days, leaving more than 10 million Texans without power. The cold caused pipes to burst, led to car accidents, and emptied grocery store shelves. This storm impacted 26 states and caused over $17.4 billion in damages.

Standard Coverage Features

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover winter storm damage, though specific circumstances can affect coverage. Here’s what’s generally included under a standard policy:

• Wind Damage: Damage to roofs, siding, and other structures caused by high winds or falling trees and branches due to wind or ice weight.
• Snow and Ice Damage: Coverage typically extends to roof collapse or damage from the weight of snow, ice, or sleet, including damage to gutters and downspouts.
• Interior Water Damage: Burst pipes due to freezing temperatures usually result in coverage for water damage to walls, floors, and personal property.
• Additional Living Expenses: If your home is uninhabitable due to storm damage, your policy may cover temporary housing and living expenses while repairs are underway.

Potential Exclusions

Understanding what may not be covered by your policy is equally important. Flooding from melting snow or ice dams typically requires separate flood insurance. Additionally, damage from neglect or inadequate maintenance, such as failing to maintain heat in your home during cold weather, may be excluded.

Preventive Measures

Preventive maintenance is your best defense against winter storm damage. Consider having your roof inspected before winter, insulating pipes, and ensuring your heating system is well-maintained. These steps, along with understanding your insurance coverage with guidance from our licensed sersvice team, can help ensure you’re protected when winter storms hit.

Total Protection Insurance | 720.432.7165 | sales@totalprotectionins.com

Insurance policies form an essential safety net, protecting our health, homes, and financial well-being. However, many of us treat policy renewals as a mere formality, missing the golden opportunity to optimize our coverage and potentially save money.

If you can’t remember the last time you reviewed your insurance policies, now is the perfect time to explore the world of insurance renewals and make this process work for you.

Importance of Reviewing Insurance Policies

Our lives are in constant flux—career changes, family expansions, home improvements—and your insurance needs evolve with these changes. That promotion you earned might mean you can now afford better coverage. The new security system in your home could qualify you for a discount on your homeowner’s policy. Did you replace your roof last year, that could qualify you for a better rate. Regular reviews ensure your coverage aligns with your current circumstances, potentially saving you money while keeping you adequately protected.

Hidden Costs of Auto-Renewing

Auto-renewal makes maintaining insurance coverage a breeze. Insurers design it this way to reduce the likelihood of customers shopping around each year. However, auto-renewing without review can carry hidden costs that significantly impact your wallet.

Insurance companies often employ a practice known as “price walking,” gradually increasing premiums for existing customers. They rely on customer inertia, assuming you won’t notice or bother to switch. As a result, loyal customers frequently pay more than new ones for the same coverage.

According to a study by the Financial Conduct Authority, 6 million policyholders could have saved over $1 billion if they had paid the average price for their risk upon renewal.

Timeline: When to Start the Review Process

To avoid these pitfalls, start the review process early. Mark your calendar for about 60 days before your policy’s expiration date. This timeline allows you to research, compare options, and make informed decisions without feeling rushed. It also provides time for necessary paperwork or inspections if you switch providers.

Balancing Cost and Coverage: Finding the Sweet Spot

When reviewing your policies, aim to balance cost and coverage. While choosing the cheapest option might be tempting, remember that the goal is to find the sweet spot between affordability and adequate protection. Evaluate your current needs and potential risks. For instance, if you’ve acquired valuable items over the years, you might need to increase your personal property coverage. On the other hand, if you’ve paid off your car, you might consider dropping collision coverage to lower your premium.

Important note: It is always best to seek the guidance of an independent and trusted licensed insurance professional before changing or reducing coverage.

During your review, pay attention to these key factors and watch for red flags:

• Changes in coverage limits
• Adjustments to deductibles
• New exclusions in the policy
• Significant premium increases without clear justification
• Reduction in coverage or removal of previously included perks

If you spot these red flags, don’t hesitate to ask your insurance provider for clarification or shop around for better options.

Also, consider factors beyond just the premium. Evaluate the insurer’s customer service, claim settlement process, and financial stability. A slightly higher premium might be worth it if it means smoother claim processing when you need it most.

Benefits of Regular Policy Reviews

Regular policy reviews offer numerous benefits. They ensure you’re not overpaying for coverage you don’t need, or underinsured in critical areas. They keep you informed about new products or features in the market that might better suit your needs. Most importantly, they give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve made an informed decision about protecting what matters most to you.

Reviewing your insurance policies is a small investment of time that can yield significant returns in both financial savings and peace of mind. Remember, insurance is not a set-it-and-forget-it purchase. It’s a dynamic tool that should adapt to your changing life circumstances. Make policy reviews a regular part of your financial routine, and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complex world of insurance with confidence.

Total Protection Insurance | 720.432.7165 | sales@totalprotectionins.com