Does homeowners insurance cover ice damage?

How homeowners insurance may cover ice damage

Your homeowners policy may cover ice-related damage to:

• Your home's structure: Dwelling coverage may pay for damage to your roof, walls, or ceilings caused by water backup under the shingles, assuming the damage is sudden and accidental. If heavy ice buildup causes your roof to sag or collapse, dwelling coverage can also pay to repair or replace your roof, up to your coverage limit and minus your homeowners deductible.
• Your home's interior: Dwelling coverage may pay for water damage to your home's surfaces, floors, and built-in fixtures caused by melting ice, if the damage was sudden and accidental — up to your coverage limit and minus your deductible.
• Your personal belongings: Personal property coverage may pay to repair or replace damaged furniture, electronics, and other personal items, up to your coverage limit and minus your deductible — if the damage resulted from a covered incident, such as ice causing your roof to fail or collapse.
• Other structures on your property: Other structures coverage may cover sudden and accidental damage from ice to the detached structures on your property like garages, sheds, or gazebos — up to your coverage limit and minus your deductible.

What if you're unable to live in your home due to ice damage?

If sudden and accidental ice damage makes your home unsafe to live in, your policy's loss of use coverage may pay for a hotel stay, groceries above what you typically spend, and other necessary services.

When is ice damage not covered by homeowners insurance?

Damage that occurs over time from a lack of maintenance before or after an ice-related event likely won't be covered. Many policies exclude coverage for certain structures damaged by freezing, thawing, or the weight of water or ice. These structures might include fences, patios, swimming pools, pavement, and your home's foundation.

Is ice dam removal covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance typically won't cover the removal of an ice dam. It depends on your policy and situation.

Is hail damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance may pay for hail damage to your roof and property, minus your deductible and up to your coverage limit. Depending on your insurer and policy, you may have a separate, higher deductible for hail damage if you reside in an area prone to hailstorms.

Is damage from snow covered by homeowners insurance?

If the weight of snow, sleet, or ice are covered perils on your policy, your insurer may cover the cost of repairing the damage, up to your coverage limits and minus any deductible.

What if someone slips on ice while on your property?

If a visitor or neighbor is injured at your home because they slipped on ice and you're liable, personal liability coverage on your homeowners policy may pay for their medical bills and your legal costs, up to your coverage limit. Remove snow and ice from your driveway and paths to minimize the risk of injury.

Does homeowners insurance cover damage from frozen pipes?

Homeowners insurance may cover a burst, frozen, or leaking pipe if the leak is caused by a covered peril and not due to negligence. Coverage may also extend to your personal belongings if they're damaged in the incident. Find out more about how homeowners insurance covers plumbing.

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