Even here in South Carolina, winter weather presents its own set of challenges that lead to certain homeowners insurance claims being more popular than others. Snow-covered roads, icy sidewalks, frozen pipes, and falling trees make winter one of the most active seasons for homeowners insurance claims. While you’re cozying up with your loved ones with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire this winter, watch out for these most common winter insurance claims.

1. Damaged roofs 

Winter is a roof’s worst enemy. From falling trees to snow weight collecting and finally doing in an already-comprised roof, the most common winter homeowners insurance claim is a damaged roof. One particularly dangerous wintertime hazard is called an ice dam. An ice dam occurs when a large amount of ice accumulates at the edge of your roof or in your gutters and prevents water from draining properly. When water builds up on your roof with nowhere to go, it can penetrate through the roofing material and leak down into the home, causing collapsed ceilings, mold, ruined drywall, and more.

2. Frozen pipes 

Homeowners insurance companies pay out hundreds of millions of dollars every year due to frozen pipes. A frozen pipe that bursts can damage anything and everything in your home, including flooring, ceilings, drywall, and personal belongings, not to mention the cost of repairing the pipe itself. Before the temperature drops at your house, make sure you insulate your pipes, especially if they are outdoors or in an unheated basement.

3. Wind and hail damage 

Winter storms bring more than just a blast of cold air. Extreme winds and hail can damage roofs, topple trees, and damage homes, cars and property. While there isn’t much you can do to prevent damage from wind and hail, you can save yourself the headache of dealing with additional damage caused by water leaking in by checking your roof immediately after a storm to see it has been damaged and needs repair.

4. Home fires 

Every year in the United States, nearly 156,000 house fires occur during the winter months. Let’s face it – we all love the glow of candles and the crackle of a warm fire when it’s cold outside. Unfortunately, that also increases the risk of starting a fire that damages the home (and ruins your holidays). Make sure that you keep candles away from children and flammable materials such as curtains and holiday decorations. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected before the first fire of the season to make sure there are no cracks or damage that could lead to a fire in the chimney or attic.

Make sure your homeowners insurance is ready for winter

Edwards Insurance Agency in Taylors, S.C. can help you make sure your homeowners insurance policy has all the coverage you need to protect yourself and your family from winter’s dangers. Give us a call today, and let us help you sleep soundly on a cold winter’s night, knowing your family is safe.