News

With the combination of warm weather, a heavy snowpack, and recent rainfall, we are encountering numerous client concerns around flooding. Where is all this water is going to go?!

What you should know

When snow melts and the frozen ground thaws, water can find its way into your home causing various levels of damage.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is determined by how the water enters your home. The three most common ways are:

1. Surface water – Water that collects on the surface of the ground and enters your home through a window, door, or other opening. 
   Surface water situations are typically not covered by insurance unless you have purchased a flood insurance policy.
2. Foundation seepage – Water that  infiltrates your home through hydrostatic pressure/seepage of water through the foundation or walls.
   Foundation seepage situations are typically not covered by insurance.
3. Water backup – Water enters your home through a line/drain or a drain tile system. This may include a sewer line or sump pump backup or failure.
   Water backup situations are typically covered by insurance, but are potentially dependent on if you have a sump system and subject to your policy’s water sewer back up limit.

Insurance coverage is ALWAYS dependent on each individual situation. Coverage scenarios will vary by carrier and the conditions and specifics of each property. Individual carriers will determine if and what coverage is available.   

Questions?

We’re happy to help! Contact the Cox Insurance team with any questions. 

---

Cox Insurance provides Home, Auto, Liability and Commercial insurance that exceeds expectations. For a personalized quote, please contact us here.

During extreme winter weather, we receive a lot of inquiries regarding damages caused by ice dams.

What you should know

• What is an ice dam?
  An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. When water backs up behind the dam, it can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.
• What causes ice dams? 
  Three things are required for an ice dam to form: snow, heat to melt the snow, and cold to refreeze the melted snow. The heat from inside the home rises through the ceilings and into the attic. Without sufficient attic ventilation, heat collects under the roof deck, melts the snow on the roof, and refreezes before dripping off the roof. As this process continues, the layer of ice at the eave gets thicker; eventually causing a “dam” that traps the melted snow behind it and creates a pool of water.

• Ice dams can lead to different types of damage. Water from the melted snow pools and eventually backs up onto the roof surface. The pool of water can creep under the shingles and into the home causing interior water damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Sometimes the ice dam can cause damage to the roof covering as well. The water can also continue to re-freeze, causing gutters to potentially collapse from the additional weight.

Insurance Coverage

• Insurance coverage related to ice dams is dependent on the extent of the damage and differs by carrier. The damage caused by the ice dam is typically a covered claim (subject to your deductible); however, the removal of the ice dam itself may or may not be covered. If there is coverage for the removal of an ice dam, it is usually limited to the area that is causing the damage, not the entire property.  Any future preventative measures (like increasing your attic insulation) are a great idea, but those costs are generally NOT covered by insurance.
• Prevention is always the best defense! Many of the ice dam situations we encounter are often not significant enough to warrant a claim. It’s best to try to avoid the problem.
• Every situation is different. Coverage scenarios will vary by carrier and the conditions and specifics of each property. Individual carriers will determine if and what coverage is available.   

Questions?

We’re happy to help! Contact the Cox Insurance team with any questions. Stay warm and safe!

---

Cox Insurance provides Home, Auto, Liability and Commercial insurance that exceeds expectations. For a personalized quote, please contact us here.

Whether it’s a wedding ring, expensive artwork, or a family heirloom, it is important to make special considerations to insure these valuable items.

What you should know

• Your basic homeowner’s policy only includes LIMITED COVERAGE for jewelry, art, and collectibles.
  An extension (“rider”) or separate policy is often recommended. 
• Appraisals are essential.
  Antique jewelry and collectibles can be insured as long as their characteristics, qualities, and value can be determined.
• Valuable jewelry should be appraised every 5 years.
  The value of your jewelry will change due to fluctuations in precious metal prices and changes in fashion trends.
• Jewelry insurance is the best investment you can make post-purchase. 
  It is relatively inexpensive and generally costs between $1-$2 for every $100 it would cost to replace (i.e. a $5,000 ring would cost $50-$100 annually to insure).

TYPES OF COVERAGE

• Itemized Coverage
  A description and dollar amount is assigned to a specific item.
• Blanket Coverage
  Used to cover a collection of smaller miscellaneous pieces. This allows flexibility and can help control expenses but puts a cap on maximum payment per item.

---

Cox Insurance provides Home, Auto, Liability and Commercial insurance that exceeds expectations. For a personalized quote, please contact us here.