Filing a Claim After a Snowstorm

A Guide for Homeowners Recovering from Severe Winter Damage and Filing a Claim After a Snowstorm

Snowstorms may look beautiful, but they can cause serious and costly damage to your home. The aftermath can leave homeowners overwhelmed- from collapsed roofs to burst pipes and ruined valuables—especially when it’s time to file an insurance claim. If you’ve experienced major damage or loss due to a snowstorm, knowing what your policy covers—and what it doesn’t—is critical.

For many homeowners, Filing a Claim After a Snowstorm is easier with the help of a public adjuster who can simplify the process, ensure nothing is overlooked, and help maximize your claim payout. Here’s what to expect and how to take action after a snowstorm.

What Types of Snowstorm Damage Are Usually Covered?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies do cover certain types of winter weather damage, especially when caused by sudden and accidental events. Commonly covered damages include:

✅ Roof Collapse Due to Heavy Snow or Ice

The structural damage is typically covered if your roof caves in or sags because of the weight of accumulated snow or ice. Related interior damage is also usually included.

✅ Water Damage from Ice Dams

When snow melts and refreezes on your roof, it can form ice dams, which cause water to back up under shingles and into your home. Many policies cover the resulting water damage to ceilings, walls, and belongings.

✅ Burst Pipes

Frozen pipes that burst due to extreme cold are often covered, especially if you’ve taken reasonable steps to keep your home heated or insulated.

✅ Fallen Trees or Branches

If a snow-laden tree falls on your home, garage, or fence, repairs to the structure are usually covered. Some policies also cover tree removal, up to a certain amount.

✅ Damage to Personal Property

If snow or water enters your home and damages furniture, electronics, or valuables, depending on the cause and policy limits, these may be covered under your personal property protection.

What Might NOT Be Covered After a Snowstorm?

While many types of damage are covered, insurance companies often deny or limit coverage based on certain conditions:

🚫 Gradual Damage or Neglect
If your insurer believes the damage resulted from a lack of maintenance, like failing to repair a known roof leak or not keeping your pipes insulated, they may deny the claim.

🚫 Flooding from Snowmelt
Most policies exclude flood damage from rising water due to melting snow. You’ll need separate flood insurance for that.

🚫 Exterior Structures
Sheds, detached garages, or other outdoor structures may not be fully covered—or may have lower coverage limits.

📌 Tip: A public adjuster can review your policy and determine what’s truly excluded versus what the insurance company might say is excluded.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Snowstorm

If your home or valuables have been damaged, taking action right away can protect your claim and speed up your recovery:

1. Document Everything

• Take photos and videos of damaged areas, especially the roof, ceilings, walls, and belongings.

• Save evidence of collapsed structures, ice dams, water stains, and any affected items.

• If you have before photos, use them to show the difference.

2. Make Temporary Repairs (and Keep Receipts)

• Tarp your roof, turn off the water supply to burst pipes, or clear dangerous ice if safe to do so.

• Save all receipts for materials or services—they may be reimbursed.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

• Notify your insurer right away and request a copy of your policy.

• Get a claim number and confirm your coverage, deductible, and next steps.

📌 Tip: If you’re already overwhelmed or unsure how to answer your insurer’s questions, a public adjuster can take over communication and file the claim on your behalf.

Why Snowstorm Claims Are Often Underpaid or Denied

Filing a Claim After a Snowstorm can be challenging, especially when snow-related damage is hard to prove or fully assess—like hidden water seepage or structural weakening. Insurance companies may:

• Downplay the severity of the damage.

• Deny claims due to “lack of maintenance.”

• Offer lowball settlements based on incomplete inspections.

A public adjuster works for YOU—not your insurance company—and will:

 – Conduct an independent inspection of your home.
 – Provide detailed estimates for full restoration.
 – Ensure related damage (like mold, insulation, drywall, and electrical) is also included.
 – Negotiate directly with your insurer to maximize your payout.

What a Public Adjuster Can Do for You After a Snowstorm

If you’ve experienced serious damage, a public adjuster can:

• Manage the claim from start to finish, including paperwork, evidence, and communication.
• Challenge denials or underpayments with professional documentation.
• Save you time and stress, while improving the chances of a higher settlement.

Many public adjusters only get paid if you do, meaning they’re motivated to help you recover as much as possible.

You Deserve to Be Made Whole

Snowstorms can do more than freeze your property—they can disrupt your life. If you’ve lost part of your home, suffered water damage, or lost valuables, your insurance should help make you whole again—not leave you fighting to get the coverage you’ve already paid for.

Whether you’re just beginning the claims process or feel stuck waiting on answers, don’t go through it alone.

Have your assets or belongings been damaged due to a natural disaster or major damage event?
Click the “Get Assistance” button to begin the process—we are here to help!