HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU SHOULD FILE A HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE CLAIM?

“That’s what insurance is for” is what you hear many people say, but do you really understand when you should file a claim and when it’s really not in your best interests? Many consumers feel that they pay a monthly premium so they are entitled to something. This is true in some aspects, but there are deciding factors as to whether or not the insurance company will cover the loss you are claiming.

Up to Date

“I’ve been a customer for 20 years”! It does not matter how long you have been a customer with your insurance carrier if your payments are not up to date. Your insurance company does not have to cover your loss if you have fallen behind on your payments.

Underinsured

If you are underinsured your insurance company does not have to pay the difference in cost to cover your repairs. Your insurance company will only pay for the coverages that are stipulated in your policy. If you do not have a backup of sewer and drain endorsement or flood coverage your insurance company does not have to pay for water damage resulting from a sewer back up or a flood. Your insurance will not exceed your policy limits. If it costs fifty thousand dollars to replace all of your contents but you only have coverage for twenty thousand dollars then you are responsible for the difference.

Cost and Your Deductible

If your damages do not exceed your deductible your insurance company will not cover your loss. It is the policy owner’s responsibility to cover his/her insurance deductible before the insurance company pays out any money for the loss that occurred. This is sometimes paid directly to the contractor handling the repairs or it can be withheld from the insurance proceeds that are paid out by the insurance company. All costs must be factored in when deciding to file a claim: mitigation, damaged contents, cleaning and structural repair.  If your repairs cost less than your deductible it is not in your best interests to file an insurance claim since it will not be covered.

High Claim History/C.L.U.E. Report

If your loss will cost slightly more than your deductible you should still take your claim history into consideration before filing a claim. Even if your claim should be covered by insurance, you run the risk of seeing another rate increase or even being dropped by your insurance company. Insurance companies use claims and inquiries into the 1-800 number hotlines to determine what customers are at risk. If you are a high risk, meaning you have numerous claims or unpaid claims, then it is not in their best interests to insure you. Customers that are labeled a risk will cost the insurance company money. Insurance companies record and share your claims history using the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.). Even though you called the 1-800 number to ask a question they are still pursuing your inquiry as a claim that is being filed. It is recommended that you seek advice from your insurance agent or Rainbow International before contacting the 1-800 number.

Maintenance

Many homeowners’ claims are often denied because they are considered maintenance as opposed to damage stemming from a direct peril. If you haven’t addressed your roof in 30+ years and it is now missing many shingles and water is leaking in you may want to think twice about filing a claim. You will most likely be told that your damage is due to wear and tear and it will not be covered. This scenario is different than finding you are missing shingles and water is now leaking in because a tornado came through and ripped them off. It is your responsibility to maintain your property to prevent damage.

Scams

It is not stated in your insurance policy that they cover stupidity, but accidents do happen. Many insurance scams are often caught so it is not worth trying to get one over on your insurance company. Claims that have slipped by only cause you and others to see a rate increase over time. Your insurance company may cover your fire loss if you accidently knock over a candle and it catches the house on fire but if they find that you intentionally started the fire then you have a lot more to worry about then your claim being denied. Insurance is not free money. Even if you receive money from your loss you will still find that depreciation is withheld from the insurance proceeds. You will have a house and contents that are destroyed and in need of repair, you will be inconvenienced until the repairs are complete, your insurance premium will dramatically increase or even worse, you will be dropped by your insurance company. Insurance adjusters are specially trained to detect real damage from intentional damage so it is not in your best interests to try and scam your insurance company.

There are many factors that you have to take into consideration before making the decision to file an insurance claim. Many consumers hurt themselves by filing a claim for every little thing that happens to their property. This scenario is similar to the boy who cries wolf. If you try to file claims for every little thing then your insurance company is not going to want to hear it when it comes time to address the real property damage at hand. Keep in mind that property damage is unpredictable. Be happy that you have never had to file a claim and see a rate increase or risk being dropped. Analyze the aforementioned aspects and proceed in filing a claim if every category has been thoroughly considered.

Rainbow International can assist you by providing you a free property damage inspection for any type of fire, smoke, water and mold damage. Contact 708-460-0911 to set up your free inspection.

WHY BLEACH IS NOT THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MOLD
We often come across people who find mold in their home and think that bleach is the cure. This is a misconception. Bleach is not the best choice to kill mold and keep it from coming back.

There are some cases where bleach may be part of a restoration company’s protocol, but it is not the solution to cure mold problems. Bleach comes in handing for cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting surfaces but will not kill mold and keep it from returning. Most bleach products are not registered with the EPA as an antimicrobial product. At one time the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) had recommended using chlorine bleach for mold abatement. OSHA was also the first federal agency to stop recommending the use of liquid bleach in mold remediation. Subsequently, The Environmental Protection Agency edited their release of A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home to exclude their once recommended use of bleach as a mold clean-up agent.

Many people turn to bleach simply because it is a low cost stain remover. It’s something that can already be found in most people’s homes. People see how bright it makes everything that it comes in contact with and has often been the bases for mold removal rumors. The truth is it is a corrosive product that can irritate and do harm to you and some of the surfaces in your home that you are attempting to clean. Chlorine releases gases (dioxins) that can be harmful to your lungs, skin and eyes. It can deteriorate surfaces that are porous and corrode metal and electrical components. If you examine the label on bleach it only makes mention of use for sanitizing hard non-porous surfaces.

If bleach is going to be used as a sanitizer, it must be used on clean materials and non-porous surfaces. Think of how bleach is added to laundry after the clothes have already been cleaned. It is not a cleaning agent like laundry detergent. There are many options that restoration professionals will choose before relying solely on bleach to sanitize. The IICRC teaches restores that they need to incorporate a certain level of sanitation into their cleaning. These products that are available to restorers are specifically developed for restoration projects such as sewage clean-up and mold remediation. One typical staple in the mold remediation industry is a solution known as Biocide. Unlike bleach, many sanitizing products developed for the restoration industry actually have a residual effect which prevents bacterial from regrowing. If you were to apply bleach to dry wall it would only lighten the discolored area and would not actually kill the mold. Mold remediation is meant to not only remove mold but make sure it does not return. Mold consists of deeply embedded mycelia, better known as its root system. The roots that have grown into the dry wall continue to grow causing the mold to reappear over time. Restoration companies will remove moldy drywall since it is a porous material.

Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect wood and wood-based building materials. All of these materials are considered porous materials. Because of this, chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation as confirmed by OSHA’s and EPA's recommendations and suggested guidelines. The use of bleach as a mildew disinfectant is best left for non-porous surfaces such as kitchens, bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass. The EPA’s guidelines actually state that you should only attempt to remove ten feet of surface mold yourself. Anything past ten feet should really be addressed by a IICRC certified restoration professional. Restoration professional use many forms of mold removal; sodablasting, dry ice and blasting with crushed up wall nut shells. Rainbow’s preferred method typically leans toward sodablasting. Sodablasting refers to the use of high pressured air and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). This method is similar to sand blasting but the sand is replaced with baking soda. This cleaning method is not only used for mold remediation but is also used to remove soot after a fire, graffiti from brick, paint from cars and has even been used to revamp the statue of liberty. Wood surfaces can be restored by sodablasting the mold off of the wood opposed to gutting and replacing. The mold spores are then eliminated with the use of a HEPA filter that is placed inside of a containment chamber. Biocide is then applied to kill any residual mold and prevent any new mold from forming. As you can see there is a lot more that goes into successful mold remediation opposed to simply applying bleach to the contaminated area.

If you suspect mold in your home don’t reach for a bottle of bleach. Contact the IICRC certified mold remediation professionals at Rainbow International, (708) 460-0911. We will inspect the problem, offer a solution & estimate and remediate the mold.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AFTER A STORM

The best time to find out if you have issues with your home or a home you are looking to purchase is when it rains or after a storm has hit. Weather can reveal telltale signs that your property has issues that need to be addressed. Water intrusion can wreak havoc on homes. If the source of the problem is not fixed the issue will continue. Even worse, water intrusion can lead to mold growth. If you see signs of water damage address the issue before it gets worse.

Things to look for:

• Check or test your sump pump to make sure it is in working order.
• Make sure there is no debris around the outside line that runs to your sump pump.
• Check your basement for water intrusion. This is a sign of a foundational crack or a bigger issue. Contact a water proofing company to have your foundation inspected. 
• Check your ceilings for water stains. This is a sign of a leaky roof. 
• Check your walls for stains, peeling paint or bubbles. This is a sign there is water intrusion. The most likely cause is a leaky roof or window depending where the damage is located. 
• Check the wood beams in your attic for staining or mold growth.
• Peeling paint or stained wood around the window is a sign that there is a water issue. The most likely cause is a broken seal.
• Check outside of your structure to make sure there are no gaping holes that water can enter through. Brick can separate and siding can form holes over time which cause water to enter the home.
• You should never see rotting wood. This is a sign that water has been leaking in for quite some time.

Take a look at these pictures that relate to water intrusion. You should NOT see this around your home.

  

If you think you have a property damage claim on your hands contact Rainbow International for assistance. We will inspect your property free of charge and offer a solution to resolve your property issues. Set up your free property inspection by contacting Rainbows service line at (708)460-0911.

To view pictures of Rainbows work visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.211518835702126.1073741830.211496272371049&type=3 or our website at http://rainbowintl.com/orland-park.

If you are looking to purchase a home contact a property inspector to have the property inspected for any hidden damages.

IS YOUR SUMP PUMP READY FOR THE RAINY SEASON?

Around this time of year we start experiencing unexpected bouts of rain. Is your sump pump going to sink or swim?

Sump pumps can quickly get overwhelmed from the massive amounts of water they are trying to keep up with. There are numerous reasons why sump pumps fail causing homes to take on water. 

• Size of the sump pump is too small to keep up with the amount of water it is taking on. 
• The sump pump is cheap and and gets overworked with the amount of energy it has to put out. 
• The home losses power from a power outage. 
• Cut off from electricity supply - power cord becomes loose or unplugged or the control switch is turned off. 
• The motor burns out.
• There is one one in the home and it becomes overworked because the home should have more than one. 

It is recommended that you inspect your sump pump before the rain comes our way. To ensure that your sump pump is working properly you can do the following things.

• Locate the outside pipe that catches water as it drains from the pump. This can often get clogged. Remove any debris to get the pipe from clogging. 
• Check the pumps cords. This pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Pull the plugs from the outlet and separate them. Fist thing to do is only plug the pump cord back into the outlet. You should hear the pump running after this is done. Unplug the pump and plug the cords back in the wall with the float first then the pump cord plugged into the back of the float pump. 
• Remove the sump pump lid cover. Slowly pour water into the crock while watching the switch. It should start to turn on as the sump takes on water. The sump will start to pump water from the crock. If it does not contact a plumber to inspect your sump and offer guidance. 
• You can also locate the float arm on the side of the pump. List the float arm and it should start pumping water. This is an indicator that your pump is running. 
• If at some point you hear a consistent humming noise when the pump is plugged into the outlet it can be an indicator that your pump is dead. Perform these test methods to verify and then contact a plumber for replacement. 

By purchasing a backup system you can keep the water from taking over your home in the event you loose power. There are a few types of backup systems you can choose from so do your research or contact a plumber to see which system is best suited for you. 

• Battery backup
• Generator powered backup
• Water powered backup

Though backup systems are helpful you can still take additional preventative measures by obtaining an alert system if the sump pump or backup system fails. 

• Alarm systems have a audible alarm that will sound off when water reaches rises to high. These can be found at your local hardware store or online. 

It is not a bad idea to keep a spare pump laying around in case of emergencies. Make sure your spare is the same fit for the current crock you have. 

To prevent an out of pocket expense be sure to have water backup coverage added to 

your insurance policy. Check out http://blogsbynikiramirez.blogspot.com/2014/03/understand-sump-pump-overflow-sump-pump.html

If your home takes on water contact the water damage professionals at Rainbow International to assist with your cleanup - 708-460-0911. Water can only be extracted after power has been restored. Because the overflowing water has contaminants it is best to have a restoration company perform the cleanup.Take a look at Rainbow's tips on what to do if your home takes on water:  http://blogsbynikiramirez.blogspot.com/2014/07/your-home-has-taken-on-water-after.html

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE

There are several factors that influence the cost of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Speaking with you agent and having them point out the coverage's you can modify and add can keep you protected while still keeping your rates low.

Common factors that influence your homeowner’s insurance premium include:

Your credit score - Your credit score impacts the price of your policy.

Your claim history - If you have filed several claims you are more likely to pay a higher premium. Even though you filed a claim and the company did not pay out keep in mind that still reflects negatively on your C.L.U.E. Report. See more at: https://personalreports.lexisnexis.com/fact_act_claims_bundle/landing.jsp

Your deductible – Your choice of deductible plays a role in the price of your policy. When choosing a high deductible you will pay more out of pocket if a claim is filed. The benefit of a high deductible is that you are paying a lower premium. Many insurers are selling homeowners insurance policies with percentage deductibles for storm damage instead of the traditional dollar value deductibles that are used for other types of claims such as fire damage and theft.

Your coverage limit - The amount of coverage you need will play a role in the price of your insurance.

Age and type of construction of your home - If your home is older, there is a higher chance that there will be problems down the road and the home will need to be repaired.  Important structural components like roofing, plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems may need to be addressed at some point. Newer homes are built according to today’s building codes and typically have more energy efficient components.  

Location of your home - You can expect to pay more for your policy if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, has a relatively high crime rate or is located far from emergency services.

Risk factors on the property - If you have the following things on your property you are likely to pay a higher premium: a swimming pool, an aggressive dog, a trampoline or any other characteristic deemed as risky.

Minimize risks that are in your control to assist in keeping your premium low. Even though you want to keep your premium low don’t skip out on the coverage's that are recommended by your agent. Things like flood insurance, back-up of sewer and sump pump overflow are recommended for a reason.

It is a misconception that any type of damage caused by water is covered in you insurance policy. This is incorrect. Flood waters, water and sewage that backups through the drain and an overflowing sump pump are all things that are excluded from a basic homeowner’s policy. When it comes time to perform mitigation and make repairs people are often shocked they are not covered by their insurance for these types of damages. Choosing to keep your premium low by excluding these additional coverage's is not in your best interest. These coverage's are so important that many insurance agents make you sign a waiver stating that they were offered to you and you choose not to accept them. The out of pocket cost to resolve water damage can greatly exceed the minimal fees that you would pay monthly for these additional coverage's. If you cannot afford to address water damage in a timely manner then you may have a costly mold loss on your hands. Not accepting the coverages that are recommended to you is like flipping a coin. There’s a chance you may not have a loss but the risk you take by not getting accurate coverage is a lot more costly in the long run.

You can’t predict property damage. No one ever thinks they are going to have water in their basement or sewage overflowing from their toilet. Rainbow International services these types of losses every day and homeowners are never prepared for them. Those that have accurate insurance coverage have less headaches because they are not having to come out of pocket to pay for restoration services.

Choose the right coverage for your individual needs but do not cut corners to lower costs. 

HOW IS YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

Furnace Filer
Most houses with forced-air furnaces have a standard furnace that is designed to keep its duct work clean. This design does not actually improve indoor air quality. This is why furnaces require a furnace filer. Filter actually protect the furnace. They also contribute to good indoor air quality by cleaning the air circulating through the house. The filters job is to catch air borne particles such as dust, dander, lint, pollen, mold spores and bacteria. Filter designs and rating systems vary so some filers claim to filer more air born particles than others. 

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers has devised a rating system for filters. They use numerical values ranging from 1 to 12, with higher numbers referring to filers that capture more dust. Some filters remove large, heavy particles from the air but still allow smaller particles to flow through. Large particles are categorized from 6 to 100 microns in size. Medium sized particles are categorized from 0.3 to 6 microns in size. Small particles are categorized from 0.3 microns and below. Review your manufactures recommendations to make sure you are using the right furnace filers for your furnace. 

There are many types of filters out there: 

· Fiberglass or cellulose pad - usually held in a cardboard frame and capable of protecting the equipment. This catches most of the larger dust particles which tend to block the heating and cooling coils; low cost but least effective in removing small particles.

· Washable/reusable filter - uses a flat plastic or metal foil pad. This can be washed with a hose and reinstalled; should be washed monthly; may last 3 to 5 years.

· Pleated polyester filter - provides more filtering capacity than a flat filter; many are made with electrostatically charged fibers that attract small particles; lasts up to 3 months.

· Deep-pleated, high-efficiency air filter - about the same size as the ordinary filter but 4 to 6 inches thick. They do not fit in standard filter holders and require a special box in the duct system; electrostatically charged fibers can be used in the filtering media.

· Electronic filter - about the same size as the box for a deep-pleated filter; requires electricity to operate; air is directed through a high-voltage grid which applies a positive charge on particles in the air stream; particles are attracted to a negatively charged element; should be washed monthly; removes small smoke particles; high initial cost and maintenance are disadvantages as is the cost of repair if the power unit fails.

When it comes to changing your furnace filter is a general guideline that is should be replaced at least every three months to maintain maximum efficiency. Some types of filters may need to be washed or replaced more often so you should check it monthly. Change furnace filters according to the manufacturer's directions.

Duct Cleaning
Professional air duct cleaning is a way to improve indoor air quality. To find out if your ducts need cleaning, pull off some supply and return registers and take a look. If a new furnace is being installed, you should probably invest in a duct cleaning at the same time, because chances are the new blower will be more powerful than the old one and will stir up a lot of dust that has been hiding in there. Clean HVAC systems can perform more efficiently, which may decrease energy costs, and last longer, reducing the need for costly replacement or repairs. This will also benefit you if you suffer from allergens.

Air Cleaner
An air purifier is a device which removes contaminants from the air. These devices are commonly marketed as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and at reducing or eliminating second-hand tobacco smoke. Commercial grade air purifiers are manufactured as either small stand-alone units or larger units that can be affixed to an air handler unit (AHU) or to an HVAC unit found in the medical, industrial, and commercial industries. A portable model is great for the bedroom while a whole-house unit removes contaminants from the air is it passes through the ductwork.

Chimney
Have the furnace vent and chimney flue examined regularly to ensure safe, proper exhaust. If the flue is not cracked that heat and carbon dioxide fill up the room. Carbon dioxide can cause headaches and ultimately death. 

VOC’s
Keep VOCs under control. VOCs are found in household products such as carpet, adhesives, composite wood products, paints, solvents, electronics, varnishes, upholstery and vinyl. Cooking, smoking, storing chemicals, cleaning and using photocopiers, also release them. Remove sources of VOCs when possible, ventilate rooms with new furnishings, and shop for low- or no-VOC paint.

Humidity
Decrease humidity to assist with indoor air quality. Mold, mildew and dust mites need plenty of moisture to thrive. Aim to keep relative humidity lower than 50%. This may require running a dehumidifier alongside the air conditioner in the summer. Make sure you have proper ventilation in your bathroom where you are most likely to see humidity.

Ventilation
Allow fresh air inside by opening the windows or running the exhaust fan, especially when cooking, cleaning or applying a fresh coat of paint.

SNOW LEADS TO ICE DAMS

Chicago is a snow globe once again. As beautiful as our white landscape is outside this abundance of snow can lead to property damage - ice dams.

What is an ice dam?
Ice dams are formed when heat from the attic melts snow at the ridge or peak of the roof causing an “avalanche” of snow and ice to overflow the gutters. The melted water can then back up under the shingles and work its way into the house. This can continue over an over as the sun melts the snow and a drop in temperature refreezes the melted water. This can leave property damage behind. Older roofs with heat leaking attics are at higher risk of seeing water intrusion

Ice dams can cause numerous damages to your property inside and out:

• Damaged gutters, soffits and fascia
• Raised shingles
• Leaky roofs
• Moisture inside the home
• Moisture that is left untreated can lead to Mold

In order to prevent ice dams from forming try the following:

• Check for a build up of snow around the edge of your roof where it meets the gutter. Clear the snow away that accumulates 3 ft. up the roof from the gutter (This is where ice dams are most likely to occur.) It is best to do this while the snow if still light and has not yet hardened into a chunk of ice. You can use a snow rake to clear the snow away. A snow rake is an aluminum scraper that is mounted at a right angle on a telescoping aluminum pole. It can be found at most of your local hardware stores. It is not recommended that you climb the roof yourself to remove the snow. Note that raking may cause potential damage to the shingles so beware how hard you are raking. Picture of a snow rake is shown below in the gallery.
• Install heat cables before too much snow builds up around the gutters. Heat cables are high-resistance wires that are mounted on the roof edge in a zigzag pattern. They plug into an outdoor GFCI receptacle and melt the snow that builds up over time. This can be found at many of your local hardware stores. Picture of roof & gutter de-icing kit is shown below in the gallery.
• Roofmelt is a product that you can use to melt snow that is accumulating on your roof. It is similar to the salt we throw on the ground to melt snow. There are pet friendly versions of this product since it can fall off of the roof. This can be found at many of your local hardware stores. Picture of roofmelt is shown below in the gallery.
• Keep your roof cold. Close up attic bypasses by plugging any leaks that are allowing heat to escape. Winter is the perfect time to enter your attic to see where heat is escaping and cold air is entering.
• Install vapor barriers between the attic floor and insulation.
• Add roof and soffit vents to your home. Attic ventilation draws in cold outdoor air and flushes out warmer attic air, cooling the attic and the roof in the process.
• Vent exhaust from fans and clothes dryers through the roof, not into the attic.
• Seal openings where light fixtures and ceiling fans have been installed.
• Make sure you have an accurate amount of attic insulation. Insulating up to R-60 is recommended for our type of climate. R- then the value is the number given to insulation products that state their resistance to heat flow. The increasing value provides more insulation. R-60 translates into having approximately 21 inches of insulation in your attic. Homes built prior to 1970 have little to no insulation. Older homes will tend to have less insulation than modern homes that are built energy efficient. Overtime insulation can settle causing its density to decrease overtime. This then allows heat to escape. If you are unsure if you need more insulation contact a company that offers attic insulation services to see if you are in need or more insulation.
• Contact a roofer to remove the snow. Roofing companies can typically steam ice dams off of the roof. This steam method is like a pressure washer and can melt the ice away without damaging the roof. It is safer to remove icicles when they are starting to form opposed to when they are a large harden chunk of ice. Be careful when attempting to remove icicles. Chipping them away from the ice dam can break or puncture the shingles causing further damage.

Will your insurance pay to have ice dams removed?
Your insurance company is under no obligation to pay for the cost to remove ice dams. Ice dams themselves are not considered a covered peril on most insurance policies. You would need to verify with your insurance company to see if they would cover any costs to have ice dams removed.

What to do if you have interior water damage:
If you discover interior water damage then you probably have a leaky roof. An ice dam is the most likely culprit for seeing water intrusion. Your roof is not the only problem though, your attic is also the culprit.

An inspection is needed to determine the exact cause of the water intrusion. Do not ignore this water damage because it can lead to mold damage. This is a sign that you have a issue with your roof and/or your attic. You will need a restoration professional to inspect your damages. Roofers will only inspect your roof and will not address the water damage inside your home. Rainbow International is a full service restoration company that can perform your property inspection and assist you with your damage. Before a thorough inspection can be performed the snow on your roof will need to be removed by a roofer or it will have to melt. Rainbow International and most other restoration companies will not remove the snow for you.

During your inspection your restoration professional should discuss:

• How address the leaky roof
• How to address the heat escaping from your attic
• How to dry out the interior water damage (mitigation) to prevent mold
• The cost of this service, if the cost will exceed your deductible and if the damages would most likely be covered by your insurance company

Note that mitigation on the interior damage will not be performed until the snow is no longer an issue. If the interior damage is addressed before the roof and/or attic is fixed you still run the risk of allowing the damage to occur again.


Before you file a claim:
Speak with your insurance agent before filing a claim through the 1-800 number. The 1-800 number will automatically file a claim and you may not have a valid claim on your hands. This will affect your C.L.U.E. Report even if the claim is not paid out. If you are not sure what your C.L.U.E. Report is speak with your agent or check out https://personalreports.lexisnexis.com/fact_act_claims_bundle/landing.jsp


Your insurance agent can offer you guidance as to whether your damages would be covered or not and if it sounds like they exceed your deductible. They can also review your policy with you to let you know if there are any limitations. Your insurance agent will most likely recommend that you get a property inspection to verify this so they can inform you whether it is worth filing a claim or not. Rainbow International works with many insurance carriers by providing this information to them directly.

Will damage from ice dams be covered by your insurance company?
The answer to this question lies in the policy language describing the scope of the exclusion. Your insurance agent can notify you if there is anything in your policy that is specifically excluded or limited. In most cases, the insurance company will typically cover damages to the interior and exterior of the home that are a result of excess weight from snow and ice dams. There’s typically no exclusion on most policies that applies to damages caused as the result of an ice dam, so the costs associated with remediating the interior water and repairing the damage would most likely be covered.

After determining the extent of the damage it is important to file the claim in a timely manner. You are more likely to have your claim denied if you prolong filing which in turn can cause further damage. As the policy owner you are response for mitigating your damages.

Keep in mind that the insurance company will ONLY cover the areas of the structure that were damaged. This does not mean you will receive an entire new roof if only a few shingles were damaged. This is often a misconception when people file an insurance claim.




Rainbow International of South & West Suburbs works directly with your insurance provider if you have a property damage claim on your hands. Our team of experts can handle any type of property claim stemming from weather to fire, smoke, water or mold damage.