MALVERN, Pa.--()--With winter arriving officially on Saturday, Dec. 21, preparing for snow, ice and frigid temperatures should be a priority for homeowners, renters and drivers throughout much of the U.S., according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

“More and more policyholders are seeing the value in ‘Predict & Prevent’ for managing their risk,” said Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan. “Recovering from catastrophe can be difficult, as there are some things in life that may be irreplaceable when it comes to the likes of sentimental value. So, as winter sets in, Triple-I encourages property and vehicle owners to take action now to reduce their weather risks. Preventing losses creates a win-win – for consumers and insurers.”

To protect homes, rental units and vehicles during the winter months, Triple-I offers the following guidance:

Inside Your Home

  • Keep your home heated to a minimum of 65 degrees. This will help prevent pipes inside the walls from freezing.
  • Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip. Keeping water moving within the pipes will help prevent freezing.
  • Check that fireplaces, wood stoves, and electric heaters are working properly. Make sure there are no combustible items near heat sources.
  • Keep your fireplace flue closed when it is not in use.

Outside Your Home

The weight of snow and ice can damage a roof. Clogged gutters might allow water to seep into a house. Taking these steps should reduce these potential hazards from occurring outside a home as snow and ice accumulate.

  • Keep sidewalks and entrances free from snow and ice so no one sustains an injury while walking
  • Watch for ice dams near gutter downspouts. Ice dams can cause water to seep into a house
  • Clear gutters of leaves and debris to allow runoff from melting snow and ice to flow freely
  • Check for dead, damaged, or dangerous tree branches and have them removed. When stressed, branches can fall and damage a house or car, or injure a pedestrian

Insurance Coverage for Winter Weather-Caused Property Damage

Standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by wind, snow, and ice to property and personal possessions. Standard renters insurance policies provide coverage for winter weather-caused damage (e.g., burst pipes) to personal possessions.

Property damage caused by flooding is not covered by either standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. Melting snow that seeps into a home, apartment or condominium from the ground up would be covered by flood insurance. It is available through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and dozens of private insurers.

Protection for Your Vehicles

An individual involved in an auto accident between two or more vehicles caused by wintry road conditions is covered by a standard auto insurance policy. If a tree falls on a car, or if it sustains flood damage, the damage is covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Single-vehicle accidents may be covered by either comprehensive or collision coverage. Approximately 75% of U.S. drivers purchase these optional coverages.

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About Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)

With more than 50 insurance company members — including regional, super-regional, national and global carriers — the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) is the #1 online source for insurance information in the U.S. The organization’s website, blog and social media channels offer a wealth of data-driven research studies, white papers, videos, articles, infographics and other resources solely dedicated to explaining insurance and enhancing knowledge.

Unlike other sources, Triple-I’s sole focus is creating and disseminating information to empower consumers. It neither lobbies nor sells insurance. Triple-I offers objective, fact-based information about insurance – information that is rooted in economic and actuarial soundness. Triple-I is affiliated with The Institutes.