Does insurance cover ice storm damage?
4 minute read Published on Jul 21, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
Canadian winters can be harsh with cold temperatures, heavy snowfall and high winds. Severe winter weather makes headlines each year as Canadians deal with damaged homes, cars and loss of power. If you’re among the many homeowners affected, you may wonder whether your home insurance coverage will help cover winter storm damage.
Will my insurance provider cover extreme winter weather damage to my home?
Generally speaking, standard home insurance policies will cover hail and wind damage under the dwelling portion of your insurance coverage. For example, if a winter storm leads to falling trees or flying debris that causes roof damage and roof leaks, you could file a claim with your insurance provider.
Similarly, if ice dams cause costly damage to the physical structure of your property, you would also be able to file an insurance claim for this type of ice damage.
Other hazards typically covered under home insurance
Beyond winter storm damage, your homeowners insurance policy will cover you against other perils that may cause structural damage to your home. Common perils include:
- Fire and smoke damage.
- Hail damage.
- Damage caused by lightning.
- Theft and vandalism.
- Explosions.
- Car/aircraft impact.
Beyond the physical structure of your property, homeowners insurance also includes the following policies:
Contents coverage
Contents insurance is automatically included in all homeowners insurance. It protects your personal belongings if they are damaged by a covered peril or stolen from your property.
Additional living expenses
This portion of your homeowner's insurance will provide coverage to you if your home is damaged by an insured peril to the extent that it is no longer safe to live in. During the time your home is under repair, this home insurance will cover the additional cost of accommodations, meals, and other associated expenses.
Personal liability home insurance
Personal liability home insurance protects homeowners if someone suffers a bodily injury on their property or if property damage is caused to a third party. For example, if during the winter months, a heavy snowstorm hits your area and a tree from your yard falls into your neighbours' yard, causing damage to their detached garage, this insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs, up to your coverage limits.
Other expenses typically covered under third-party liability include medical bills, funeral costs, legal fees, and other expenses associated with your settlement.
Will my insurance cover flood damage from heavy snow melt?
Damage to your home caused by melting snow and ice damage is considered by insurance companies to be “overland flooding” and is not covered by your homeowner insurance. You would need to purchase optional coverage to be protected from this type of water damage.
If a power outage and sub-zero temperatures cause a burst pipe or frozen pipes in your home, or if you experience sewer back-up, your standard homeowner’s policy may or may not provide coverage. Coverage differs between insurance providers, so you'll need to double-check exclusions in your policy to determine whether your home insurance policies cover this type of damage.
Do homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused to vehicles?
Generally speaking, no. Home insurance policies will not cover damage caused to your vehicle, even if it's parked in your driveway. Vehicles in your driveway are typically covered by auto insurance policies, specifically comprehensive coverage. This insurance will cover repairs if your car is damaged due to falling trees, water damage, and other perils related to extreme cold periods listed in your specific policy. Because your vehicle can be insured on its own, your property insurance will not cover it.
My home lost power, and the food in my fridge and freezer went bad. Will that be covered?
Your homeowner’s policy covers damage or loss of your home contents, and that includes food. If the doors remain closed, a fridge will keep food safe for 4-6 hours, and a fully packed freezer will keep food for 24-36 hours. What if power outages can last longer? Consider disposing of any perishable foods left at temperatures above 4⁰ for more than 2 hours.
If you need to dispose of food and plan on filing an insurance claim, take an inventory of what you lost. Keep in mind that there are limitations on how much compensation you may receive from your insurance company. Review your policy wording or contact an insurance broker in Ontario to review the limits to your coverage.
What is not covered by homeowner insurance?
Extreme cold can cause numerous issues in your home. And while your home coverage will cover numerous types of damage to your home, other perils, such as homeowner neglect or intentional damage, won't be covered. For example, if during a storm, your heating system stops working, leading to burst pipes in your home, and it is found that the reason your heating system stopped working was due to a lack of maintenance or old age, you may have trouble claiming damages from your provider.
This is because maintaining your home and property is your responsibility, not your insurance company's. That said, it will depend on your provider and the specifics listed in your policy.
How can I save on my insurance policies?
Extensive damage to your home, car, and personal belongings can be expensive to cover out of pocket. But with the right insurance plan in place, you can have peace of mind and the financial protection you need in case you need to file an insurance claim. To save money on your premium while still ensuring you have adequate coverage:
- Work with a broker.
- Bundle your home and auto insurance.
- Ask about discounts.
- Consider paying your premiums upfront.
- Increase your deductible(s)
- Ensure your coverage reflects your individual needs and budget.
- Shop around and compare quotes.
How BrokerLink can help
At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable coverage. Whether you're looking for commercial insurance policies, condo insurance, hazard insurance, home insurance, or coverage in other provinces, our experienced brokers will work closely with you to ensure you feel confident in your customized plan!