RICHMOND -- Homes and vehicles are often no match for the hazards created by winter weather. Cold temperatures, snowstorms, ice and wind can cause headaches for homeowners, renters and drivers alike by severely damaging property and increasing the chance of insurance claims. The recent return of cold weather to Virginia means an increase in the potential for residential fires as consumers turn on their electric space heaters and light up their wood stoves and fireplaces.

     “Now that winter weather has returned, we encourage Virginia consumers to take a good look at their property insurance coverage and make sure it meets their needs,” said Alfred W. Gross, Commissioner of Insurance for the State Corporation Commission (SCC).

     The SCC’s Bureau of Insurance reminds Virginians to review the coverage provisions of their property insurance policies regularly and pay particular attention to any deductibles, limitations or exclusions to coverage. “Make sure you have enough coverage,” Gross said. “If not, you may end up paying money out of your own pocket to fully cover the cost of repairs to your property.”

     Most standard homeowners policies cover damage to homes caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, or collapse of a structure due to weight of ice or snow. Frozen pipes as the result of extreme cold weather may not be covered if the damage is due to negligence.

     Flood damage, removal of fallen trees (if the trees do not land on and damage your home), food spoilage due to a power outage, and water damage from backed-up drains or sewers are not covered under most standard homeowner’s policies. Some insurers offer additional protection (or endorsements) that consumers may purchase for certain coverages not provided under a standard homeowners policy, so check with your agent or company to determine your needs.

     Gross stressed the importance of renters insurance for those who do not own their own homes. “Most consumers who purchase homes are required by their mortgage company to have homeowners insurance, but many individuals who rent their homes have no coverage at all. Renters often do not realize the value of their personal property, which can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace at current prices,” he said. Insurance coverage for renters is readily available at a reasonable cost, he said. A typical tenant policy provides coverage for household contents, personal possessions, additional living expenses, and liability coverage.

     Know what to do if you have to file an insurance claim. The Bureau of Insurance offers the following tips if damage occurs to your home:

• Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Ask what documents, forms, and data you will need.
• Take photographs or videos of the damage.
• Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property such as covering broken windows and leaking roofs. Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have agreed upon the cost of repairs.
• If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live in it, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses incurred for accommodations while repairs are being made. Save all receipts to document those costs.

     Freezing temperatures, snow and ice can also make driving conditions treacherous, thus increasing the likelihood of an automobile accident. In the event an accident occurs, call the police immediately. Then, the Bureau recommends obtaining the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and license numbers of everyone involved in the accident and all witnesses. Record the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of the vehicles involved, insurance information, apparent damage and injuries, and your version of what happened.

     As soon as possible after the accident, call your insurance agent or insurance company with your policy number and other relevant information. Ask your insurance company if you have coverage for a rental vehicle if your car is not drivable. Save all receipts and bills, including those for car rental, towing, or storage of your damaged car. Take notes each time you talk to your insurance company, agent, or anyone involved in the situation.

     The SCC’s Bureau of Insurance is available to assist consumers with their insurance-related questions and concerns. For homeowners, renters and auto insurance questions, contact the Bureau of Insurance Property and Casualty Division in Richmond at (804) 371-9185 or toll-free (in Virginia) at 1-877-310-6560. The Bureau offers a number of publications on various insurance-related topics including homeowners and auto insurance, and has recently updated its renters insurance consumer guide. These guides are available by calling the Bureau of Insurance or visiting its website at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/boi/.