Preventing winter home disasters: what your insurance covers — and what it doesn’t I PEMCO

Winter in the Northwest can challenge even the most well‑maintained homes, and many cold‑weather problems can be avoided with a little preparation. Taking steps now to protect your property can help you steer clear of costly, stressful damage when storms hit. And if unexpected weather still causes harm, your PEMCO policy is designed to help you recover. 

Here’s some common home claims that are likely covered, and some that require additional, special protection: 

Likely covered 

Burst pipes from freezing weather. Water damage is the No. 1 reason people file homeowners insurance claims, and your PEMCO coverage protects you if a pipes freezes, bursts and then floods your home once it thaws. When freezing weather is in the forecast, you can take important steps to prevent damage. 
 
Roofs collapsed under the weight of snowfall. Heavy snowfall followed by soaking rains can create an excess load on vulnerable structures. Learn how to prevent snow and ice damage to your roof.  

Windblown trees falling on your home. If a tree crashes onto your roof, fence, or deck, your PEMCO homeowners policy can help you repair the damage. In most cases, even if it’s your neighbor’s tree, your own insurance likely would pay. That’s because windstorms are considered “acts of nature.” The exception might be if your neighbor knew or should have known their tree was dangerous, in which case, it may be their responsibility. 
 
Whoever owns the tree, report the damage to us so we can investigate responsibility. If appropriate, we’ll work with your neighbor and/or their insurance company on your behalf. And if it’s your tree that damages your neighbor’s property, we’ll investigate promptly (while the evidence is still there) in case someone files a liability claim against you. 

Acts of nature are beyond anyone's control. However, strong, healthy trees often can withstand forces that bring down their weaker counterparts.  That’s why we recommend proactive tree maintenance, to prevent fallen trees and branches when possible.  
 
Electronics damaged by power surges. Lightning strikes and power surges are covered by your homeowners and renter insurance. You can minimize damage by unplugging sensitive electronics like computers and TVs as part of your windstorm preparations. 

Surge protectors can help prevent damage to your electronics and high-end appliances; consider they need to be replaced every two to five years.   
 
Perishable food lost to power outages. Your PEMCO policy offers limited coverage, subject to your policy’s deductible, for food lost because of a power outage. Often, however, people choose not to file claims for lost food. That’s because, after paying their deductible, the amount they collect likely would be relatively small and, like any claim, it could disqualify them from receiving a claim-free discount on their policy. 

Emergency lodging and added living expenses. Under a part of your policy called “Loss of Use,” PEMCO can help you pay the added costs of temporarily moving to rental or a hotel (including added costs for takeout meals and extra gasoline for a longer commute) while your unlivable home is repaired following a covered loss. 

Likely covered only by additional policies 

Environmental flooding. “Atmospheric rivers” fueled by warm, tropical air can spark sudden, catastrophic flooding as seen in areas of Washington’s Skagit and Whatcom counties this winter. Standard homeowners and renter policies sold in the United States, including PEMCO’s, do not cover that kind of damage. You need specialized flood insurance, sold through the federal government, and some private providers. Although we can’t sell you the policy, our professionals at PEMCO Agency can help you explore your flood insurance options with information we already have on file. 
 
Landslides. Like virtually all homeowners' policies sold in the United States, your PEMCO policy generally excludes coverage for landslides. We can pay to repair your home only if the damage results from a covered loss. If you’re concerned about landslides, we can help you find coverage (called a “Difference in Conditions” policy) through another company that specializes in that risk. Policies vary, but they typically offer all-in-one coverage for landslides, mudflows, earthquakes, and floods. 

Northwest winters will always bring unpredictable conditions, but thoughtful preparation can make a big difference in preventing damage before it happens. For questions about what your policy covers or to better understand how to prepare for seasonal risks, your local PEMCO agent, 1‑800‑GO‑PEMCO, and your pemco.com account are all here to help.