Does homeowners insurance cover ice dam leaks in Ohio?

What is usually covered

The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) says standard homeowners policies cover most damage that results from a freeze, and gives ice forming in gutters and backing water up under the shingles into the house as an example.

The Ohio Department of Insurance says most damage to the structure and contents from water, wind, hail, heavy snow and ice is generally covered by a standard property policy after the deductible.

What usually is not

Both say maintenance is on you. Triple-I says a policy will not cover damage due to lack of maintenance. The Ohio Department of Insurance lists poor home maintenance among the typical exclusions, along with things like flood and sewer backup.

Coverage for the roof itself depends on your policy. Ohio’s guidance is to read your policy, especially when it comes to the roof: an actual cash value policy pays the cost of the damaged property less depreciation for its age and wear.

What to do first

Call your insurance company or agent. Triple-I says to make temporary repairs to protect the house from more damage and to save the receipts for what you spend.

Take dated photos of the water inside and the roof edge from the ground before anything gets cleaned up.

Where we come in

We document storm and ice damage for your claim: dated photos of every slope, the damage up close, and any tarp invoice, ready for your adjuster. The claim stays yours. We document; we do not negotiate it for you. Call (567) 708-8001, any hour.

Sources

• Insurance Information Institute: Surviving severe cold weather
• Insurance Information Institute: Which disasters are covered by homeowners insurance?
• Ohio Department of Insurance: Severe weather toolkit
• Ohio Department of Insurance: Roof insurance, repair and replacement

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