Are you covered for winter damage with Illinois home insurance?

Illinois’ cold and sometimes snowy weather may do a lot more than downing trees and electricity wires. Damage to homes can be caused by the effects of fierce winter weather too. Make sure your Illinois home insurance coverage is sufficient to help protect you against the costs of winter damage.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation advises on specific  winter weather damage generally covered under standard home insurance but you can also speak to your agent if you’re unsure about coverage.

Having insurance does not excuse you from doing routine maintenance – ideally before winter sets in – as a little maintenance can prevent some issues from occurring. Frozen pipes can be a case in point. A burst pipe can cause a great deal of damage and ways to minimize the risk include:

• Applying appropriate insulation;
• Sealing gaps in the house structure that might allow freezing air to penetrate;
• Circulating warm air where practicable and safe to do so. One means of doing this is by leaving roof space access hatches open for a period;

Ice can be a major winter hazard in other areas too. It can attack loose places on a roof, potentially allowing wind and water inside. Ice on un-cleared paths and steps can be a personal injury hazard. Will your insurance help cover costs should someone fall and hold you to blame?  Why not have a conversation with your Illinois home insurance agent who can help make sure you have appropriate cover this winter.

*