Ario: Consumers should review insurance policies in light of recent snowfall

Given the recent difficulties that befell parts of the country regarding snowfall, some people may need to tap into the protections provided by their home insurance.

Recently, the insurance commissioner for Pennsylvania gave some advice for consumers when it comes to their home insurance policies and what they cover. Joel Ario said that consumers should make sure to read their home insurance policies in order to avoid any confusion.

"Damage to your house and its contents caused by weight of snow or ice, creating a collapse, is covered under standard homeowners insurance policies," Ario said.

If people’s homes have experienced damage because of snow – or other weather – the first thing Ario’s department recommends is to contact their insurance companies and report the loss.

Along with that, the department recommends that people take pictures of the damage and sort out its extent. Consumers should also not call someone to repair the damage until an adjuster has come to assess the situation.

Though home insurance may cover a number of weather-related incidents, the Insurance Information Institute notes that consumers need to buy separate coverage for damage related to floods. Such coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.