For Long Island, NY homeowners, the winter months can be worrying. From slippery icy driveways to equipment that refuses to function in freezing temperatures. The colder months often make home insurance even more needed than usual.

 In this article, we will identify the most common home insurance claims that occur during the winter, and how these situations can be avoided.

Frozen Pipes

As the temperature drops, it affects the water not only outside of your home but inside as well. New York wintery temperatures may cause the water in your pipes to freeze, which could lead to the pipes bursting and not only flooding your house but also ruining your plumbing.

Frozen pipe claims make up a significant part of home insurance claims during the cold months, but the situation can be completely avoided in several easy steps.

·         Insulate your pipes- Pipe insulation is relatively cheap and doing so once can ensure that you will never have to worry about frozen pipes again.

·         Allowing your faucets to drip- In places where the piping is particularly exposed and prone to freezing, leaving your faucets to drip could potentially save your pipes, as it is harder for moving water to freeze.

·         Keep the heating on- This is especially important if you plan to leave your house empty during the winter. Keeping the house at a temperature of 55 degrees or higher is another way to keep your pipes from freezing.

Roof Failure

The heavy weight of snow and ice accumulating on your roof and in your gutters can cause significant damage. Your gutters are particularly vulnerable as ice dams can easily develop in them, preventing water from running off as usual and potentially ruining your roof.

Home insurance claims caused by ice dams and snow damage have reached ranges of up to $15,000, but the solution for these problems is quite simple.

·         Raking your roof- Regular removal of snow and ice from your roof and gutter by raking them is usually more than enough to prevent the heavy buildup before it can damage your property.

·         Use heat cables- Cleverly designed heat cables installed around your roof will generate the heat needed to prevent snow and ice from accumulating to a dangerous degree.

·         Keep your roof clean – Even before the first snowflakes fall, your roof must be kept free of any debris that could cause blockages upon which ice and snow may gather.

Personal Injury

An accumulation of ice in pathways and driveways can be dangerous. As most ice buildup is difficult to spot, especially at night, it should come as no surprise that slip and fall incidents are one of the most common factors claimed on home insurance during the winter months. Falling branches due to snow can also cause damage which you the homeowner will have to pay for.

Even if the injured party wasn’t an invited guest, you may still be held liable if they are hurt on your property.

Thankfully, preventing these incidents is relatively easy.

·         Always Clear Paths – Shovelling freshly fallen snow and distributing de-icing salt in all areas where there is regular foot traffic is the best way to ensure that no one gets injured on your property.

·         Regularly Checking Trees – Trees can become ladened down under the weight of snow, and at times, branches may fall. Regularly checking trees and removing any damaged branches that could be a hazard is a good way to prevent unnecessary injuries.

In conclusion, the winter months, no matter how daunting, can be easily managed with a little effort and dedication, without having to use your home insurance or your savings to fix any damage caused.