Authoritative Insight On What’s Covered In An Ice Storm
It’s important to understand that not all damage caused by a storm is treated equally by insurance companies. The recent ice storm in Middle Tennessee has created a mix of perils—falling trees and frozen, burst pipes—each with its own, distinct insurance rules.
Trees Falling on Structures
If a tree falls on your house, garage, or fence, most homeowners’ insurance policies cover the damage to the structure. However, there is a key differentiator in the insurance world: “debris removal.”
- Tree on House: Generally, if a tree destroys a structure, the insurer covers the removal of the tree from the structure and the repair of the structure, but not necessarily the haul-off of the tree, limbs, and branches.
- Tree in Yard: If the tree falls in your yard and misses your house, insurance generally will not cover the removal, unless it is blocking your driveway (a driveway falls under “Other Structures” coverage in your policy).
The “Frozen Pipe” Trap
Burst pipes are common in Tennessee, but they are not always covered by insurance. Insurance companies often exclude coverage if they determine you didn’t take “reasonable steps” to prevent the pipes from freezing.
- What is Reasonable? If you left for a week, didn’t turn the heat on to make sure that there was an adequate amount of heat, and your pipes burst, they may deny the claim. If the lack of electricity to your home (which thousands of homes experienced) didn’t enable you to turn on and maintain your heat, then you would be covered.
- What is Covered? Sudden, accidental bursts that occur when the home is occupied and heated are usually covered.
Hidden Damages
When water from a burst pipe seeps into floorboards or behind drywall, it causes hidden, long-term damage. Mold can start developing within 24-48 hours. When the insurance adjuster comes, ensure they are looking for water mitigation needs, not just structural damage. Subflooring and floor joists are often missing in estimates when they should be included.
Maximize Your Coverage
If you have a tree on your home, or a pipe burst, you have a solid “covered peril.”
Action Plan:
- You may need to get a licensed plumber to document that the pipe burst was sudden and not due to a pre-existing condition, like a slow leak.
- Keep all receipts for any hotel stays or emergency plumbing work.
In the next part, we’ll look at the often-overlooked “Personal Property” section of your claim—the things inside your home that were damaged. In the meantime, should you have any questions, call Franklin Property Claims at 615-622-5358.
