Is your home ready for the Oklahoma freeze? Discover how homeowners insurance acts as your shield against ice storms, frozen pipes and heavy snow.
Living in Tulsa, Broken Arrow or any other Oklahoma city means you need to expect the unexpected. One day is 60 degrees and sunny… the next? We’re bracing for an ice storm that coats power lines and turns driveways into ice rinks. The reality is that no matter where you live, winter weather can wreak havoc on your property.
The weight of heavy snowfall on your roof, the sudden bursting of a frozen pipe (in the middle of Christmas dinner most likely) or a large branch snapping under the weight of snow can all result in major financial loss as a property owner.
At Zoellner Insurance, we want to ensure you aren’t left out in the cold when disaster strikes. Understanding how your home insurance protects you from winter weather is the first step in safeguarding your biggest investment. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what is covered, what isn’t, and how you can prepare your home for the months ahead.
The Reality of Oklahoma Winters
Oklahoma winters are notorious for their unpredictability – rapid shifts in temperature and weather conditions. We’re not talking some light snowfall – we’re talking heavy rain, sleet and wind chills that dip way below zero. These weather patterns put most residential homes under strain during the winter months.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: The constant freezing and thawing can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracks in foundations and paved surfaces.
- Ice Accumulation: Ice is heavy. A half-inch accumulation can add thousands of pounds of stress to the structure.
- Wind: Winter storms in the plains often come with high winds capable of tearing shingles off or sending debris flying.
Because of these risks, having a robust homeowners insurance policy in Oklahoma is a non-negotiable financial safety net.
Is Your Policy Ready For Top Winter Weather Perils?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover a range of winter-related disasters. Exactly how much coverage you’ve got depends on your carrier and specific endorsements. Here are the most common winter claims we see at Zoellner Insurance and how typical policies handle them.
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Frozen and Burst Pipes
This is arguably the most common and messy winter disaster. When water freezes it expands. If your pipes aren’t properly insulated, the expansion can cause the pipe to burst, sending gallons of water flooding into your walls, floors and ceilings. Yikes.
Is it covered?
Generally, yes. Your homeowners insurance usually covers repairs for the water damage from a burst pipe. This includes tearing out damp drywall, replacing ruined flooring and drying out the structure.
The catch
Insurance covers “sudden and accidental” damage. It doesn’t cover negligence. If you left your home for a week-long holiday, turned the heat off and your pipe burst, your claim could be rejected by the carrier. Most policies require you to maintain adequate heat in the home or shut off the water supply if you’re away.
2. Roof Collapse from Snow and Ice
Roof collapse or damage is a genuine threat in Oklahoma during severe winter storms. The combined weight of snow and ice and exceed the load-bearing capacity of the roof, causing it to cave in.
Is it covered?
Yes, standard policies typically include coverage for the weight of snow, ice or sleet. This protects the structure of your home and the personal belongings inside it that may be crushed or damaged if your roof were to collapse.
3. Ice Dams
And ice dam forms when heat escapes your attic and melts snow on the roof. The water runs down the colder eaves and refreezes, forming a ridge of ice. This dam prevents melting snow from draining properly. Instead, water backs up under your shingles and leaks into your home.
Is it covered?
Yes, it usually is. Most policies cover interior damage caused by an ice dam. However, they may not cover the cost of removing the ice dam itself unless you meet specific criteria.
4. Falling Trees and Branches
Ice storms are notorious for bringing down tree branches. If an ice-laden branch snaps and falls on your house or fence, you have a claim on your hands.
Is it covered?
- Damage to your home: Covered. If a tree hits your roof, insurance pays for your repairs and usually the removal of the tree.
- Damage to your yard: If a tree falls in your yard but doesn’t hit anything, insurance won’t pay for removal. It is considered a garden maintenance issue in this case.
- Damage to your car: If a tree falls on your car, homeowners insurance won’t pay. Instead you would file a claim under your auto insurance policy.
5. Wind Damage
Winter blizzards often act like hurricanes of snow. High winds can rip siding off your house or shatter windows.
Is it covered?
Yes. Wind is a standard risk in almost all homeowners policies. If wind breaks a window and snow blows inside and damages furniture, for example, the window and furniture are typical covered.
What is NOT Covered?
It is important to understand the difference between flood damage and water damage.
If snow melts rapidly and saturates the ground, causing water to seep into your basement, this is considered flooding or seepage. Standard homeowners insurance generally doesn’t include flood damage.
To be protected against rising water, you should consider taking out a separate flood insurance policy. Many Oklahoma homeowners believe they don’t need flood insurance unless they live near a body of water but flash flooding from a snowmelt can happen anywhere. It’s always better to be prepared than left in a bind.
Getting Your Home Ready for Oklahoma Winters
While insurance is there to pick up the pieces, avoiding a claim altogether is always first prize. Not only is it a hassle to repair but it can keep your claims history clean – in turn, keeping your premiums low.
Here is a checklist of how to prep your home for winter this year:
Insulate your pipes
Visit a local hardware store in Tulsa or your surrounding area, and buy foam pipe insulation. Wrap any pipes located in unheated areas like basements, attics and garages.
Clean your gutters
Clogged gutters are practically inviting ice dams to form. After the leaves fall, make sure your gutters are clear so that melting snow can drain freely away from your roof.
Trim your trees
Look for overhanging branches that look dead or weak. Trimming them back before the first freeze reduces the risk of them crashing through your roof during an ice storm.
Check your roof
Have a professional inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles. A compromised roof is vulnerable to wind and water damage.
Know Your Water Mains
Do you know where your main water shut-off valve is? In the event of a frozen pipe, shutting off the water quickly can mean the difference between a quick mop-up job and total destruction.
Zoellner Insurance Can Help With Homeowners Insurance in Oklahoma
When you buy insurance online from a national carrier, you’re just a number and you get handed a one-size fits all policy. As an independent insurance agency in Tulsa, OK, we work for you, not the carrier. We can:
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Shop Around: We compare quotes from multiple top-rated carriers to find the best coverage for your specific needs.
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Review Your Limits: We ensure your “Dwelling Coverage” is high enough to rebuild your home at today’s construction prices—something that is vital if a winter storm causes total loss.
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Explain the Fine Print: We help you understand your deductible. For example, some policies have separate wind/hail deductibles that are higher than your standard deductible. We make sure you know exactly what you’ll pay out of pocket.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The worst time to check your insurance coverage is after the damage is done. If a storm is already in the forecast, many insurers issue restrictions, meaning you cannot buy or change a policy until it passes. Review your policy now. Check your deductibles. Ensure your have coverage for additional living expenses (this pays for a hotel if your home is severely damaged and uninhabitable).
Ready to weather the storm? At Zoellner Insurance, we are dedicated to protecting our Oklahoma neighbors. Whether you need a policy review or a brand-new quote, we’re here to help.
Click here to get a no-obligation homeowners insurance quote today.
