INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
NEW YORK, February 3, 2011 — Reporters covering the insurance implications of the recent winter storms are encouraged to contact the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
While the 2011 winter is particularly severe, winter storms are historically very expensive and are the third-largest cause of catastrophe losses, behind only hurricanes and tornadoes. From 1990 to 2009, winter storms resulted in about $25 billion in insured losses, according to ISO. In fact, U.S. insurers paid out $2.6 billion in winter-related losses in 2010, the highest total in terms of total dollars since 2003, according to Munich Re.
“Wind-related damage to a home is covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies,” said I.I.I.’s consumer spokesperson and senior vice president, Jeanne M. Salvatore. “Wind-driven snow or freezing rain that gets into the home because it was damaged by wind is also covered as well as freezing conditions such as burst pipes or ice dams, a condition where water is unable to drain properly through gutters and seeps into a house causing damage to ceilings and walls.”
Melting snow can inflict significant damage to residential properties, with the average homeowners insurance claim for water damage and freezing coming to $5,896 in 2007, the most available date.
The I.I.I. encourages consumers who need to file a claim to contact their insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible. Let your agent know the extent of the damage and then start to document your loss with lists, receipts or photographs. For a related podcast on how to file and insurance claim, go to Six Steps to Follow When Filing a Home Insurance Claim.
The I.I.I. also available to provide interviews and information on the following winter-related topics:
THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038, (212) 346-5500