After a record 6 feet of snowfall, many people living south of Buffalo are filing homeowner claims for the first time. Over 30 roofs in the area have collapsed, leaving many displaced. Other residents have seen windows break, walls crack and doors pushed in by the weight of snow.


“I cried. Today, as soon as I walked in here, that was it,” Tami Diestler, an Alden resident whose roof collapsed, told The Buffalo News. She and her husband were in the process of selling their home. Now, they’re trying to minimize the damage.


Like Diestler, many families in the Buffalo area are trying to rebuild. If you’re among those filing claims for snow damages, you might be surprised to find out what’s covered—and what’s not. Here’s what you should consider when navigating claims after the storm.


Definitions matter


With flooding, heavy winds and warmer weather following heavy snowfall, claims get complicated. Almost all homeowners policies cover damage caused by the weight of ice and snow. But 2 events causing damage at the same time won’t be covered by insurance because of anti-concurrent causation provisions in most policies. For instance, if you had wind and snow damage at the same time, you wouldn’t be covered for either.


“It’s going to be a very big dilemma for adjusters, people involved and insurance carriers,” says Steven Vanuga, regional vice president of Adjusters International Basloe, Levin & Cuccaro, a company of public insurance adjusters based in Springville, New York. “You have to go back to the basics of what is the determination of a claim. What is the definition of flood, what is the definition of collapse, what is the definition of ice water backup and water coming in the areas.”


Water damage is different from flooding damage. If melted snow from your rooftop leaks into your house or a pipe bursts, for example, that would be considered water damage and be covered by your homeowners policy. And resulting mold damage should be covered as well. In the event of flooding after snowmelt, which includes any water that washes onto your property, you won’t be covered for damages unless you have flood insurance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.


Expect to wait for your payout


If you’re filing a large claim, brace yourself for a lengthy review process. About 4 in 10 people who tried to claim over $ 30,000 in homeowners insurance damages ran into issues with their insurers, including delays, slow payouts and under-compensation, according to a 2014 survey by Consumer Reports.


Public adjusters can help clients figure out what damage occurred first so they can collect on those damages. Oftentimes, adjusters will contact you directly if you’ve been affected by severe weather. It’s not a free service— they take a small percentage of the recovered assets for compensation. But if you’re dealing with large claims, hiring a professional could mean less hassle and a fair payout.


Make your safety a priority


You might be concerned about the costly damages to your house, but remember that your safety is more important. If you can’t find a licensed contractor to help you clear the snow and ice off of your roof, don’t try to do it yourself. “A lot of people get injured very quickly and very severely when they try to do that type of work,” says Vanuga.


Those who haven’t cleared snow off a roof before might accidentally damage their roof covering or shingles in the process, making repairs even more costly. To ensure your family’s safety, stay on the lookout for cracks, leaks or other damages. Call 911 and leave your home if you hear cracking or snapping.


When it comes to homeowners insurance, taking preventive measures can save you a bundle—even after the worst has passed. If you have a lot of damage but can’t pay for repairs immediately, cover any leaks with tarpaulin and make sure snow isn’t blocking any of your vents. If possible, hire a contractor to clear the snow off your roof. By staying safe and protecting your home after damages have occurred, you could save money in the long run.


 House after snowfall image via Shutterstock.