What to Do If You Have a Claim During a Snow or Ice Event
Winter weather in Tennessee can be unpredictable and severe. When snow and ice storms strike, they often leave a trail of damage to homes, vehicles, and commercial properties. Whether you’re dealing with a frozen pipe burst, a car accident on icy roads, or roof damage from heavy snow accumulation, knowing how to handle your insurance claim properly can make the difference between a smooth recovery and a prolonged headache.
As an independent insurance agency serving Tennessee residents and business owners, we’ve guided countless clients through the claims process during winter weather events. This guide will help you navigate property and auto claims effectively when winter weather strikes.
Immediate Safety Comes First
Before thinking about insurance claims, prioritize safety. During active winter weather events, avoid unnecessary travel. If your property has sustained damage that poses immediate safety risks—such as downed power lines, structural instability, or gas leaks—evacuate if necessary and contact emergency services immediately. Your safety and that of your family or employees is far more important than any property.
For vehicle accidents, follow standard safety protocols: move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there’s significant property damage. Even minor fender-benders on ice should be reported to police, as road conditions may be a factor in liability determination.
Document Everything Immediately
Once you’re safe, documentation becomes your most valuable tool. Insurance claims live and die on the quality of evidence you provide. The moment you discover damage, begin documenting with these steps:
Take Comprehensive Photos and Videos. Capture damage from multiple angles and distances. For property damage, photograph the overall scene as well as close-up details. Include contextual shots that show the surrounding area and weather conditions if possible. For vehicle damage, photograph all affected areas, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible ice or snow accumulation. Videos can be particularly helpful in showing the extent of water damage or structural issues.
Note the Date and Time. Modern smartphones automatically timestamp photos, but also keep written notes about when you discovered the damage and when the winter weather event occurred. This timeline can be crucial for your claim.
Preserve Evidence. Don’t throw away damaged items until your insurance adjuster has seen them or you’ve received approval to dispose of them. For property claims, this might include damaged drywall, broken pipes, or fallen tree limbs. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or expenses you incur.
Gather Witness Information. For auto accidents, collect contact information from other drivers, passengers, and witnesses. For property damage, if neighbors experienced similar issues or can verify the timing of the weather event, their statements may support your claim.
Understanding When to File: Immediate vs. Wait-and-See
One of the most common questions we receive during winter weather events is: “Should I file a claim right away?” The answer depends on several factors.
File Immediately If: You have significant damage that requires immediate attention, your property is uninhabitable or unsafe, you’ve been in an auto accident with another party involved, or the damage clearly exceeds your deductible by a substantial margin. Examples include burst pipes causing flooding, major roof collapse, significant vehicle damage, or fire resulting from heating equipment failure.
Consider Waiting If: The damage is minor and you’re unsure if it exceeds your deductible, you can make temporary repairs safely without professional help, or you’re dealing with cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect functionality or safety. Remember that filing multiple small claims can impact your premiums, so it may be financially wiser to handle minor repairs out of pocket.
When in doubt, contact your insurance agent before filing. An experienced agent can help you evaluate whether filing makes financial sense based on your specific policy, deductible, and claims history.
Taking Action: Mitigating Further Damage
Insurance policies require policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after a loss occurs. This is called your “duty to mitigate.” Failure to do so can result in denied claims for subsequent damage.
For Property Claims: Cover broken windows or roof damage with tarps to prevent water intrusion. Turn off water to prevent continued flooding from burst pipes. Remove standing water as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. Document these mitigation efforts with photos and keep receipts for any materials purchased. Most policies will reimburse you for reasonable emergency repairs.
For Auto Claims: If your vehicle is drivable and secure, move it to a safe location to prevent additional damage. If it’s not drivable, arrange for towing to a secure facility. Don’t leave a damaged vehicle on the street where it could be further damaged or vandalized.
Never make permanent repairs before your adjuster has inspected the damage unless you’ve received explicit authorization from your insurance company. Emergency temporary repairs to prevent further damage are expected and covered, but permanent repairs done prematurely may complicate your claim.
The Claims Filing Process: What to Expect
Once you’ve decided to file a claim, understanding the process helps set realistic expectations.
Start by contacting your insurance company’s claims department as soon as possible. Many insurers offer 24/7 claims hotlines, and during major winter weather events, they often deploy additional adjusters to affected areas. Have your policy number, detailed information about the damage, and your documentation ready when you call.
An adjuster will be assigned to your claim. During major winter events affecting large areas, there may be delays in adjuster availability. Be patient but persistent in following up. The adjuster will schedule an inspection of the damage, either in person or through photo submissions, depending on the severity and the company’s protocols.
For property claims, the adjuster will assess the damage, determine what’s covered under your policy, and provide an estimate for repairs. You may receive an initial payment for immediate repairs, with additional payments issued as work progresses. For auto claims, you’ll typically have more flexibility in choosing a repair shop, though some insurers have preferred networks that may streamline the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Experience has shown us several pitfalls that can complicate or jeopardize claims during winter weather events:
Don’t assume damage isn’t covered. Many people don’t file legitimate claims because they mistakenly believe certain winter weather damage isn’t covered. Ice dams, frozen pipe bursts, and even some types of flood damage may be covered depending on your policy and the circumstances. Always check with your agent or insurer before assuming something isn’t covered.
Don’t delay reporting. Most policies have specific timeframes for reporting claims. While insurers understand that major winter storms can cause delays, reporting damage weeks or months after it occurs can raise red flags and complicate your claim. Report promptly, even if you haven’t completed all your documentation.
Don’t accept the first offer without review. You have the right to question or appeal claim settlements that seem insufficient. If you believe the adjuster’s assessment undervalues your damage, gather additional estimates from contractors and discuss your concerns with your insurance company.
Don’t make assumptions about liability. In auto accidents on icy roads, fault isn’t always clear-cut. Let the insurance companies and police determine liability rather than admitting fault at the scene. Similarly, for property damage, don’t assume your policy won’t cover something just because the damage resulted from “an act of God.”
Special Considerations for Commercial Property Owners
Business owners face unique challenges during winter weather events. Beyond property damage, you may experience business interruption, lost inventory, or employee-related issues. Most commercial policies include business interruption coverage, but it typically requires direct physical damage to trigger. Document not only the property damage but also the financial impact: lost revenue, extra expenses incurred to maintain operations, spoiled inventory, and payroll for time when business operations were halted.
For commercial auto claims, remember that fleet policies may have different reporting requirements than personal auto policies. Ensure all drivers know the protocol for reporting accidents during winter weather.
Review Your Coverage Now, Not During the Storm
The middle of a winter storm is not the time to discover gaps in your insurance coverage. Take time now to review your policies with your insurance agent. Key questions to ask include: What is my deductible for property and auto claims? Do I have adequate coverage limits for rebuilding or replacing my property and vehicle? Am I covered for ice dams, frozen pipes, and other common winter weather perils? Does my policy include additional living expenses if my home becomes uninhabitable? For business owners, what does my business interruption coverage actually cover?
Understanding your coverage before you need it allows you to make informed decisions about additional coverage options and helps you know exactly what to expect if you need to file a claim.
Moving Forward
Winter weather in Tennessee may be unpredictable, but your response to damage doesn’t have to be. By prioritizing safety, documenting thoroughly, understanding when to file, mitigating further damage, and avoiding common mistakes, you can navigate the claims process more smoothly and recover from winter weather events more quickly.
Remember that your independent insurance agent is your advocate throughout the claims process. We’re here to help you understand your coverage, answer questions, and guide you through even the most complex claims situations.
If you have questions about your current coverage or need assistance with a winter weather claim, don’t hesitate to contact us. Preparation and knowledge are your best defenses against winter weather uncertainty.
Stay safe this winter, and remember: when in doubt about coverage or claims, reach out to your insurance professional. We’re here to help you weather any storm.