The National Association of Insurance Commissioners published consumer guidance on practical steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of winter-related damage to roofs, interiors, and plumbing, alongside a reminder to review homeowners or renters insurance coverage for winter weather losses. The advisory highlights risks including snow and ice accumulation that can break tree limbs and cause structural damage, ice dams that can lead to roof leaks and indoor water damage, and frozen pipes that can burst in extreme temperatures. Recommended actions include trimming dead or overhanging branches, ensuring the roof has a professional inspection, using a roof rake to remove snow, clearing gutters and downspouts and considering gutter guards, having insulation and ventilation professionally evaluated, detaching garden hoses and irrigation lines, sealing leaks around pipes, and protecting interior pipes by allowing a slight faucet drip and opening under-sink cabinet doors. It also advises annual chimney cleaning and inspection, contacting an insurer or state department of insurance to confirm coverage, and consulting guidance from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
National Association Of Insurance Commissioners 2025-02-06
National Association of Insurance Commissioners issues consumer guidance on protecting homes from winter weather
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners issued guidance for homeowners on mitigating winter-related damage risks to roofs, interiors, and plumbing. The advisory includes practical steps such as trimming branches, inspecting roofs, clearing gutters, and protecting pipes, alongside a reminder to review insurance coverage for winter weather losses.