Winter can be hard on a home, even when nothing looks “wrong” at first glance. Snow load, ice, freezing and thawing, and hidden moisture can all lead to damage that shows up weeks later. A quick post-winter insurance check is a smart way to catch issues early and confirm you are properly covered before spring storms and heavy rain season hit.
Check for signs of water and ice damage
Walk around your home with fresh eyes. Look for water stains on ceilings, bubbling paint, and damp spots near windows, basement walls, and around doors. Ice dams and roof leaks can cause slow, insidious damage that becomes expensive if left unnoticed. If you find signs of moisture, document what you see and address it quickly. Insurance policies often focus on sudden, accidental events, so ongoing issues can be harder to claim if left too long.
Review your sewer backup and water endorsements
Water is one of the most common and costly sources of home claims. Many homeowners assume sewer backup or overland water coverage is automatically included. Often, it is not. After winter, it is worth confirming what your policy covers, your limits, and whether you have the right endorsements for your area and home type.
Update your replacement cost and contents coverage
If you upgraded your home over the winter, new flooring, a renovated bathroom, new appliances, those changes can affect replacement cost. The same is true if you purchased expensive items: laptops, TVs, furniture, or tools. Your policy should reflect what it would cost to rebuild and replace today, not what it cost years ago.
Confirm your deductible and what it means for you
Some policies have separate deductibles for specific events like water damage. If you have not reviewed your deductible in a while, post-winter is a good time. A lower premium can sometimes come with a higher deductible, and you want to be sure you could comfortably cover that amount if something happened.
Double-check liability coverage as you head into spring
As outdoor activities ramp up, backyard projects, hosting, trampolines, pets, you are back in higher-liability season. Make sure your personal liability limits still fit your household’s risk level, especially if anything has changed since last year.
If you want a simple, practical review, ICD Insurance can walk through your current policy and flag what winter may have changed, without the overwhelm.
Disclaimer: At ICD Insurance, we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, insurance needs vary, and coverage depends on specific policies, locations, and providers. This content is for general information only and may not fully apply to your situation. Please contact your ICD Insurance broker to discuss your specific needs and coverage.