Dangerous Ice Storms Leave Insurance Questions Lingering

Ice and wind storms that swept through the Midwest and Northeastern parts of the US have left many residents out in the cold, especially when it comes to repairing damage and filing insurance claims. So far, there has been extended amounts of damage to homes, ranging to broken utilities to have parts of roofs broken or partially caved in from frozen and fallen tree branches.

The state of Pennsylvania, according to state.pa.us, is reminding residents to be smart about filing insurance claims and filing them as soon as possible.

Reggie Kitsen, a Pittsburgh resident, said, "A huge frozen tree branch fell right on our garage, caving in the entire roof. We had to wait to talk to our insurance advisor, but this problem was the first on our list. If you don't file claims, you'll never get reimbursed for serious damages...Many people don't realize that ice storm and wind storm damage counts!"

In fact, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario reminding residents to check their insurance policies first to see what is and isn't covered: "There may be some confusion about what is covered in your insurance policy. Most damage resulting from fallen trees is covered by homeowners policies, but consumers should check with their company before calling a tree removal service as removal costs may also be covered. Also, consumers may be held responsible if one of their trees has fallen on a neighbor's property.

Pennsylvania has not been the only place hit hard by ice storms or wind storms either. In fact, Chicago was pounded with heavy and thick ice just last week, which led to the cancellation of schools and increased transportation time. Also, damage was prominant in practically every neighborhood in the Chicago-land area and throughout Illinois.