Tips For Dealing With Ice Damage And Insurance Agencies

Tuesday, January 23rd 2007, 7:51 pm

By: News On 6

Sand from the recent ice storm isn't the only thing piling up in Green Country. Insurance companies are bracing for a flood of insurance claims. In a consumer reporter News on 6 reporter Omar Villafranca has what you should know before you file a claim.

Denny Brison talked to the News on 6 after an ice covered tree limb crashed down on his roof. Talking to his insurance agent proved to be just as icy.

"Got a phone call from the adjuster stating the policy doesn't cover ice, or ice damage, anything ice-related," homeowner Denny Brison said.

Insurance agents we spoke with say there are usually two types of home insurance.

The first is a basic form policy, which is usually reserved for older homes in poor condition. The basic form policy mainly covers damage from fire, wind or hail, but doesn't cover frozen pipes, collapse, say from ice piling up on your roof, or falling branches.

The second is a special form policy; most new homes have this insurance. The special form policy covers damage from fire, wind and hail, but also includes falling objects, like tree branches.

Brison specifically asked about ice damage in his policy. His agent said ice damage was covered under his policy, but it wasn't listed in the policy.

Some insurance agencies have what's called errors and omissions insurance, sort of like a doctor's malpractice insurance. If an agent tells you your policy covers a certain type of damage, but you're not covered in writing that's an error by the agent, and you might still get coverage.

Bottom line, it's always better to ask specific questions about coverage, or you might feel left out in the cold.

"I mean what can you do,â€ Brison said. â€œYou basically just look at your policy and throw it away because it's worthless."

If you have a problem with your insurance claim, call the State Insurance Commission at 1-800-522-0071, or you can visit their website www.oid.state.ok.us.

Once you file a claim, mail it back to the state and it will be processed.

Print Assistance Form