Home Owners: Insurance Doesn’t Cover Some Winter-Related Disasters

(CBS) – When you pull out your shovel, you might want to pull out your home owner’s insurance policy also.

If the cold, snow and ice damage your house, you might be surprised at what’s covered and what isn’t.

CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker reports.

The impending forecast of subzero temperatures prompts Shea Lichtenstein to take steps to prevent her pipes from bursting.

“We just like to stay ahead of any problems,” she says.

If the pipes freeze, burst and flood your basement, a bigger problem will be the cost. Insurance will cover your property, such as your couch and television. As for the floor itself?

The floor is not considered personal property. Neither are the pipes that that will need to be replaced, says insurance agent Cynthia Means.

Means says Expect to pay $2,000 to $3,000 for inside damage.

Outside, if your gutters are filled with ice and break and insurers determine you never cleared out the leaves or branches, “you’re not going to get that claim covered,” Means says.

Insurers also expect you to maintain your roof. Before paying a claim, they’ll check for missing shingles and weak patches.

 

 

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2hbZOvX