Ice dams can be problematic. The damage they can cause to your roof can be pretty bad. But that’s not all they ask us about ice dams. Sometimes, these homeowners ask us if we think that their insurance will cover the damage caused by ice dams.
What Was Damaged?
Generally, most homeowner policies will cover damage caused by ice dams. This means structural damage to the insured building.
There are, however, some exceptions that should be mentioned here. For example, you need to be aware that if the ice dam damages a building that is not connected to your main insured structure, then the insurance company is unlikely to pay for the repairs.
Was the Inside Damaged?
If the interior of your home was damaged by the ice dam, then the likelihood is high that the insurance company is also going to cover this. But if the damage extended to the furniture and appliances within your home, then those might not be covered by your policy.
To be fair, there are some companies that also cover interior equipment damage, but it isn’t standard practice, and you may need to get another policy for the contents of your home.
What About Liability?
If during the course of the insurance company’s investigation of your claim they discover that you are liable for some of the damage made by the ice dam in your home, then that might reduce the chances of getting your claim approved.
For example, if you neglected to properly insulate your commercial roofing, this might have led to the ice dam formation in the first place.
At the end of the day, it’s always best to check your policy and to ask your insurance provider for help with understanding what is covered and what isn’t. Or, you can give Freedom Roofing & Construction, Inc. a call at (217) 393-6000, or fill out our contact form to set a consultation. We serve clients in Urbana, IL.
