How to file a winter damage insurance claim

How to file a homeowners insurance claim for winter storm damage

Filing promptly and documenting thoroughly improves your chances of a full settlement.

1. Document the damage immediately

Take clear, timestamped photos or videos of all affected areas and items
Don’t discard damaged items unless necessary

2. Take temporary measures to avoid further damage

Cover broken windows or damage areas of the roof
Use fans to dry out any wet interior areas
Keep receipts for anything you purchase to address the damage

3. Contact your insurance company

File your claim via phone or the insurer’s online portal
Request a claim number and adjuster contact

4. Keep a detailed claim log

Record dates, names, and notes from every conversation
Save all written communications

5. Get repair estimates

Obtain written quotes from licensed contractors
Avoid major repairs before the adjuster’s inspection unless urgent

6. Meet with the insurance adjuster

Provide documentation and estimates
Walk through all areas of damage

7. Review your settlement carefully

Understand the difference between actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost
Be prepared to challenge anything you think is undervalued
Consider hiring a public adjuster if necessary

The claims process will go more smoothly if you follow all of the adjuster's instructions and provide documentation in a timely manner.

What to do immediately after a storm: Safety and damage control

Immediately after winter storm damage to your home, there are a few steps you can take to help your claim.

Take as many pictures and videos as possible of the damage before you touch anything
Appraise the safety of the situation: Don't enter any area that's not safe, especially in icy conditions
If it's safe, walk around the property and put up tarps to cover open patches of roof or siding, board up broken windows
Shut off the main water valve if pipes have burst
Notify utility companies if you have any power or gas issues
If tree branches are hanging ready to fall, trim where it is safe to do so to prevent more from falling

How quickly should you file a winter storm damage claim?

Most insurance companies recommend that you file your claim within 24-72 hours after the storm.

Waiting to file a claim can cause issues such as:

Further damage to the property that may not be covered
Weaken evidence that the storm caused the damage
Delay your claim settlement
Risk missing filing deadlines

EXPERT TIP: Check your policy for "prompt notice" clauses or anything else that limits your timeline for filing a claim. Note that state laws also set out a statute of limitations on insurance property damage claims.

How does insurance cover structures and property after a winter storm?

A variety of coverages on your policy may apply after a winter storm. Here's a breakdown of what's covered and how it works.

Coverage type	What it covers
Dwelling	Damage to the structure of the home and anything attached to it, like a garage
Other structures	Damage to any structures that are not attached to the house: fences, sheds, detached garages
Personal property	Damage to the contents of your home: furniture, electronics, clothing
Loss of use/Additional living expenses	Excess living expenses when you can't live in your home during repairs: hotels, food, transportation

How to maximize your winter storm insurance payout

To make sure you get a fair settlement on your insurance claim after a winter storm, follow these steps.

Document all of the damage. Make sure you have photos of everything that was damaged before any steps are taken to clean up.
Consider hiring a public adjuster. You will be assigned an insurance adjuster by the insurance company who works on behalf of the company. You may want to hire a public adjuster, especially if it’s a lot of damage, who will help you with the claims process. “Be sure and do your research so that you are working with a fair and reputable public adjuster. Check their license and credentials," says Matt Banaszynski, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin.
Stay on top of documentation. Responding quickly to adjuster requests will ensure things go smoothly.
Negotiate if necessary. If the settlement is too low, you can negotiate. "Just remember, the insurer will not go above the limits available on your policy. Your insurance agent can help advocate on your behalf with the adjuster and/or the insurance company, says Banaszinski. Public adjusters can also help with this process. “The majority of public adjusters will negotiate with the policyholder and can be helpful in the right situations,” he says. "While the public adjuster provides expertise, remember that most of the time the decision regarding settlement offers ultimately rests with you. Stay informed and retain control.”

Source:

FEMA. "FEMA snow assistance fact sheet." Accessed December 2025

FAQ: Winter storm damage claims

Does FEMA offer assistance for winter storm damages?

FEMA provides limited assistance when a disaster has been declared after a winter storm, including for snow clearing, de-icing and sanding of roads. FEMA disaster assistance is available to individuals if the storm is a presidentially-declared disaster.

What is an ice dam on a roof?

Ice dams form when heavy snow accumulation melts during the day and then refreezes overnight, forming a ridge that prevents snow from falling off the roof. Ice dams can cause serious damage.

id="h-will-my-insurance-cover-damage-if-i-wasn-t-at-home-during-the-storm"Will my insurance cover damage if I wasn't at home during the storm?

Yes, insurance will cover the damage regardless of whether you were at home when it occurred. There may be some exclusions if the insurance company believes you were negligent in protecting your home while you were away.