Yet another Texas Winter storm is affecting our area. Ice can not only cause chaos outside but can potentially bring destruction inside. You could do everything right to protect your home from the freeze – disconnect your garden hose, make sure your walls are well insulated, and even drip your faucets. But it still happened, the ice and snow from our recent Texas Winter Storm brought damage to your home. Now what? Before you contact your plumber, EcoClean should be your first call. After you get the water emergency under control, it’s time to work with your home or renters insurance.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about how to approach the process of filing an insurance claim, you’re not alone. To offer some “calm after the storm,” we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions when it comes to dealing with winter storm damage.
Texas Winter Storm Damage FAQ’s
- My pipe burst due to the freeze. Will my insurance pay for the damage?
The majority of home insurance policies will cover damage to your home caused by frozen pipes that burst, but there may be some limitations. We encourage you to thoroughly read your policy, call your insurance company, and ask your agent to clarify what kind of damages will be paid for.
- I’m renting a home that suffered from damages due to a frozen, burst pipe. Are my belongings covered by my insurance?
The property owner’s insurance policy probably won’t cover ruined items like furniture, clothing, or electronics. Check your renter’s insurance policy to determine how the company will respond to damaged possessions.
- The weight of ice and snow damaged my home. Do I have coverage?
It’s likely that your insurance policy will cover home damages that were caused by sleet, snow, or ice. Make sure you fully understand your policy and don’t hesitate to reach out to your agent if you have questions about what’s covered and what isn’t.
- Ice and snow ruined my fence and patio. Will it be paid for by my insurance?
It depends on your policy. Many policies will only pay for damages to your house. If the weight of ice and snow caused your house to collapse onto your fence or patio, the damages might be covered. Because specifics differ from policy to policy, contact your agent to see if your insurance will pay.
- What can I do to protect my damaged property from further damage?
After the storm passes and the damage is done, most insurance companies will advise you to take some preventative measures. Putting a tarp over your roof, boarding up a window, or cutting off the water line if there’s a water break are some examples of ways to safeguard your home from additional problems.
- Would having a separate flood policy in addition to my home insurance policy cover winter storm damages?
Unfortunately, no. Flood policies will only cover flood damage, which doesn’t include floods that occur from inside the home. Don’t worry though, indoor flood damage from burst pipes or broken appliances will probably be covered by your standard policy.
Have questions about how to repair your home after winter storm damage?
An EcoClean Restoration expert is always here to help!
Send us a message or start a chat with us. Your family is our priority.
