Does Home Insurance Cover Ice Dams and Snow Damage?

Generally, yes. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) says standard policies cover most of the kinds of damage that result from a freeze, and gives the example of ice forming in gutters and causing water to back up under roof shingles. Its winter storm guidance adds that standard policies generally cover damage to structures from the weight of ice and snow.

Policies differ, so Triple-I's own advice is to check with your agent or company about what yours covers. This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice.

Generally, yes. Triple-I says you would also be covered if the weight of snow or ice damages your house. That includes the structure itself, not only the leak that follows.

What an adjuster looks at is what happened and when: photographs from the day, what was done to stop more damage, and a contractor's description of the damage. The warning signs guide says what to do first if a roof is straining.

Triple-I's guidance speaks to damage, not to removal on its own, so this one is in your policy's wording. Ask your agent before the work if you want to know, and keep the invoice either way: removal done to stop water coming in is part of the story of the loss.

Rocket Roofing General Contractor clears roof snow and steams ice dams; call for pricing.

Flood and sewer backups. Triple-I says most policies do not cover backups in sewers and drains or flood damage, which can also happen in winter. Ask your agent what yours says about both before you need it.

• Photograph every stain and drip inside, what is under them, and the ice along the roof edge from the ground, with the date
• Keep receipts for buckets, tarps, drying and anything else you bought to limit the damage
• Write down when you called your agent and who you spoke with
• Get the damage inspected and described in writing

Rocket Roofing General Contractor documents storm damage for insurance claims and can tarp an opening until the repair. The parent guide, Nebraska roof insurance claims, covers the adjuster's visit, deductibles and your rights under Nebraska law. If water is coming in now, start with what to do when an ice dam leaks.

Triple-I's cold weather guidance says standard home policies will cover most of the kinds of damage that result from a freeze. Its examples are pipes that freeze and burst, and ice that forms in gutters and causes water to back up under roof shingles. The same guidance says most policies do not cover backups in sewers and drains or flood damage, which can also happen in winter, and tells readers to check with their agent or company so they know what their policy covers.

Triple-I's table of what standard home policies cover lists "weight of ice, snow or sleet" among the perils, and its guidance says you would be covered if the weight of snow or ice damages your house. It also says policies vary, so check yours for the specific perils it covers. The policy's declarations page and its list of perils are where to look, and your agent can say which form you have.

Stop more damage, then document it. Triple-I's advice after a freeze is to turn off the water if a pipe has burst, mop up, and remove carpet or furniture that seepage could damage further. For an ice dam leak, that means catching the water and moving what it can reach, and getting the dam removed so the water stops. Photograph everything before you move it, keep receipts, and call your agent. The ice dam leak guide lists the steps in order.

Usually not by a standard policy. Triple-I says flood damage is excluded under standard home and renters policies, and that separate flood coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and some private insurers. Water that comes in through the roof because of an ice dam is a different claim from water that rises into a basement from outside, so describe where the water came from when you call.

Rocket Roofing General Contractor has served Omaha, Papillion and the rest of Nebraska since 2008. We are registered with the Nebraska Department of Labor, NE DOL #98741-26, and we are a GAF Certified Residential Roofing Contractor. Our crews physically clear snow and ice from roofs and steam ice dams. Headquarters: 5634 S 85th Cir Ste 204, Omaha, NE 68127. Call us at (402) 291-8888.