I experienced a significant issue with ice sliding off my roof and damaging my deck. I’m wondering if this type of situation is typically covered by homeowners insurance.
I’ve looked over my policy, which doesn’t specifically mention decks, and I plan on making some calls Monday to clarify. In the meantime, I’d appreciate any insights.
Last night, a large amount of snow and ice released from our standing seam roof and accumulated onto our second-story deck. I went out today to remove it and discovered that the deck has nearly collapsed; it’s detached from the house right at the ledger board. The damage appears extensive: it crushed the lines for our heat pumps, broke a window downstairs, and landed on our riding lawn mower, which I haven’t been able to check yet. Unfortunately, the deck looks completely beyond repair.
From my recent search online, I’m finding conflicting information about whether this kind of damage is generally covered. I know it will depend on my specific policy, but I’m curious about others’ experiences with similar incidents.
I’m sorry to hear about your deck and the damage caused by the ice. It sounds like a stressful situation. Coverage for damage like this can vary significantly based on your homeowners insurance policy.
In general, many homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by falling objects, which can include snow and ice. However, coverage for specific structures like a deck can be less straightforward, especially if there are exclusions or limitations in your policy. Since you’ve already noted that your policy doesn’t mention the deck specifically, it’s crucial to review any related sections, particularly those that pertain to structures attached to your home.
When you call your insurance company, make sure to ask them about specific terms related to storm damage and any potential exclusions. Document everything that was damaged, including photos of the deck, the heat pump lines, the window, and your lawn mower. This documentation will be helpful when filing a claim.
In the meantime, you might also want to consider seeking advice from a local contractor who can assess the damage and give you an estimate, as this could also support your claim. Good luck, and I hope you get the answers you need!