Is your home ready for the Colorado winter?
When the snow starts falling and temperatures drop below freezing, your home becomes vulnerable to a wide range of seasonal hazards. But before you assume you’re covered, it’s important to understand what your homeowners insurance actually protects and what it doesn’t.
What’s Typically Covered
If you’ve taken reasonable precautions, most standard home insurance policies will offer protection for sudden and accidental winter damage. That includes:
- Frozen and burst pipes – As long as your home is heated and winterized (e.g., pipes insulated, heat left on), a burst pipe and the resulting water damage is typically covered.
- Liability for slips and falls – If a guest slips on your icy front walk and gets injured, your personal liability coverage may kick in if you were keeping the area reasonably safe and shoveled.
- Sudden damage to heating systems – If your furnace fails unexpectedly, some policies may cover the damage, though not always the repair or replacement of the system itself.
- Ice dam damage – If ice buildup causes water to back up under your shingles and into your home, this type of water damage is usually covered depending on your policy’s specifics.
Looking to trim your premium while maintaining protection? Check out 7 Ways Colorado Homeowners Can Save on Their Insurance Premiums for practical ideas that apply year-round.
What’s Usually Not Covered
Winter can be brutal but not all damage will fall under your homeowners policy. Here are some risks that often aren’t included:
- Roof or deck collapses from snow weight – If your roof caves in or a deck buckles under heavy snow, coverage may be denied especially if poor maintenance or pre-existing structural issues were involved.
- Flooding from melting snow – Once snow melts and seeps into your basement or foundation, that’s classified as flood damage. You’ll need separate Flood Insurance to cover it even in Colorado.
- Gradual wear and tear – Winter is tough on homes, but damage from poor upkeep like old windows, cracked sealant, or a worn-out roof won’t be covered. Understanding ACV vs. RCV for Your Roof can help you get clearer on how claims are evaluated.
- Frozen pipes due to negligence – If you leave for vacation and forget to shut off the water or maintain heat, a frozen pipe claim could be denied.
Buying your first home and feeling overwhelmed by what’s covered? Tips for New Home Buyers: Navigating Insurance is a great place to start.
Simple Winter-Proofing Tips
Before the snowstorm hits, a few simple actions can save you from disaster and maybe even a denied claim:
- Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior water lines
- Trim back trees near your roofline to prevent branches from falling under snow weight
- Clear gutters so melting snow drains away instead of backing up under shingles
- Shovel driveways and paths to prevent slip injuries and liability claims
- Check attic insulation and ventilation to minimize ice dam formation
Have questions about your winter coverage?
Don’t wait for a snowstorm to find out you’re not protected. Whether you need to review your current coverage, explore flood insurance, or understand deductible changes, Mitchell Insurance Group is here to help.
Schedule a policy review or give us a call—we’re happy to walk you through it.
FAQ
Does homeowners insurance cover frozen pipes?
Yes, but only if you’ve taken reasonable precautions, like keeping your heat on or draining lines before a trip. Negligence may void your claim.
Is damage from snow weight on my roof covered?
Sometimes. Your policy may exclude collapse from snow if it’s considered preventable or due to poor maintenance.
Do I need flood insurance in Colorado?
If you’re in an area with heavy snow followed by rapid melts, you might. Why Colorado Homeowners Need to Consider Flood Insurance breaks it down.
What’s up with these rising wind and hail deductibles?
Great question. They’re becoming more common in Colorado. Learn more in Understanding the Rising Wind and Hail Deductibles.
