Winter can be especially brutal on our homes.  Heavy snow and ice can damage homes.  Extreme cold can freeze and break pipes, causing significant water damage.  Homeowners should prepare themselves, so they have all the information they need to file insurance claims if winter weather damages their homes.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the more information you have about your damaged possessions, the faster your claim can be settled.

The III offers the following advice to speed the insurance claims settlement process:

• Before you call your agent or insurance company, prepare a thorough summary of all of the weather-related damage to your home and belongings. A qualified adjuster will contact you as soon as possible to inspect the damage. Be sure to give your agent or insurance company a telephone number where you can be reached.

• Take photographs of the damaged areas. These will help with your claims process and assist the adjuster in the investigation.

• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Be sure to make two copies — one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, and include a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase, and estimated replacement cost.

• Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts, or other papers that will assist the adjuster in determining the value of the destroyed property.

• Arrange for whatever temporary repairs you can. Cover broken windows, leaking roofs, and damaged walls to prevent further destruction. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.

• Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your property and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs, and replacement prices.

Even though insurance companies usually assign teams of adjusters to help policyholders in areas ravaged by severe winter weather, it will take time to process the many damage claims being filed. If your home has been destroyed or seriously damaged, your agent will work to see you are given priority.

Consumers with claim filing questions can contact the National Insurance Consumer Helpline at (800) 942-4242. The Insurance Information Institute has also prepared a free brochure, "Settling An Insurance Claim After A Disaster." You can download a copy from the III's Web site.

A little maintenance goes a long way

Even if your home is not pounded by a severe winter storm, the extreme temperatures and conditions of the season can damage your house. Wisconsin’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance says homeowners should regularly check the roof, furnace, fireplace, and water pipes, to ensure they are all properly maintained. Here are more tips to help you protect your house from winter-related damage:

• Use a roof rake to clear snow from the roof and prevent ice dams from forming.

• Seal all exterior air gaps, especially in older homes.

• Move all flammable materials away from the furnace.  These include old rags, sawdust, wood scraps and flammable liquids such as gasoline and kerosene.

• Have a professional inspect the chimney and flue at least once a year and clean them if necessary. Carbon monoxide levels can become dangerous if smoke cannot escape from blocked flues or chimneys.  

• Change and clean the furnace filter. 

• Only burn materials designed for a fireplace: Paper can fly out the chimney, coal and charcoal release carbon monoxide. If using artificial logs, burn just one at a time. They might produce more heat than the fireplace can withstand. Some materials can increase the risk of a chimney fire. Do not go to bed or leave the house until the fire is completely out. 

• Install detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide on every level of the home. Test the alarms periodically and change the batteries at least once a year. 

• Avoid using space heaters. If you do, place space heaters at least 3 feet from any surfaces or materials that burn easily. Check electric heaters for frayed cords or broken filaments.

• While away from home, arrange for a trusted friend or relative to check the home daily.  It’s important that person make sure the furnace and water supply system are functioning, especially during extreme weather.

Being prepared for winter will reduce avoidable claims, and avoiding claims keeps your premiums down.