When Winter Storm “Fern” struck in January 2026, it unleashed catastrophic damage across the United States. Spanning over 2,000 miles from Texas to Maine, it led to more than $1 billion in property damage. For property owners, the real damage began after the snow melted, and they discovered that their insurance settlement covered only a fraction of the repair costs.
Several hidden damages, underestimated losses, and aggressive insurer tactics leave policyholders fighting for fair compensation. Here is a complete guide on what snowstorms are, how snowstorm insurance claims work, and how experienced snowstorm public adjusters protect your financial recovery.
What Is a Snowstorm?
To put it simply, a snowstorm is a weather event that is characterized by heavy snowfall. It is often accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, and dangerously low temperatures.
Contrary to light snow showers, snowstorms produce heavy accumulation of snow in a short time frame. Snow accumulation can reach several inches in just a few hours and become dangerous. When wind speeds exceed 35 mph and visibility drops below a quarter mile, the event becomes a blizzard.
The January 2026 storms demonstrated this devastating power. More than 20 inches of snow buried parts of Pennsylvania and Maine. On the other hand, freezing rain created ice accumulations that caused further disaster all across the United States.
What Is a Snowstorm Insurance Claim?
A snowstorm insurance claim is a formally made request for financial compensation after winter weather damages your property. These claims become prominent when ice, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures cause structural failures, roof damage, burst pipes, business interruptions, and more.
Insurance coverage typically includes structural damage, such as ice dam formation and roof collapse, as well as interior losses, including water damage from burst pipes. Business interruption coverage for lost revenue may also be included.
However, snowstorm damage insurance claims are often disputed. Insurance carriers frequently challenge causation, dispute the extent of damage, hire insurance adjusters, and use tactics to minimize payouts.
Common Types of Snowstorm Damage in Commercial Properties
Structural and Exterior Damage
- Roof Snow Loading: Prolonged or heavy snowfall can exceed roof design limits, causing deflection, cracking, or partial structural failure.
- Facade and Parapet Stress: Accumulated snow and ice can strain exterior walls, parapets, and architectural features, increasing the risk of cracking or collapse.
Roof and Drainage System Damage
- Blocked Drains and Gutters: Snow and ice accumulation can obstruct drainage systems, resulting in ponding water and roof leaks.
- Ice Damming Formation: Heat loss and refreezing snowmelt can force water beneath roofing materials, compromising roof assemblies.
Interior and Building Envelope Damage
- Water Intrusion: Meltwater entering through roof or wall breaches can damage ceilings, insulation, and interior finishes.
- Thermal Movement Cracking: Rapid temperature fluctuations during storms can cause materials to expand and contract, creating cracks at joints and penetrations.
Mechanical and Utility System Damage
- HVAC and Vent Blockage: Snow accumulation can restrict air intakes and exhausts, reducing system efficiency or causing shutdowns.
- Frozen Plumbing Lines: Extended cold conditions may freeze exposed piping, leading to bursts and subsequent water damage.
Site Conditions and Safety Hazards
- Slip-and-Fall Exposure: Snow and ice accumulation on walkways and parking areas increases liability risks.
- Restricted Access and Visibility: Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility can limit deliveries, staffing, and emergency access.
Business Interruption and Secondary Losses
- Operational Downtime: Unsafe conditions or system failures may force temporary closures and service disruptions.
- Escalated Repair Costs: Delayed access and hidden moisture damage can increase overall restoration time and expense.
What Snowstorm Insurance Typically Covers
Snowstorm insurance covers structural repairs to roofs, walls, and foundations. It also includes burst pipe damage, resulting in water damage, emergency repairs to prevent further damage, business interruptions, and lost income.
However, insurance policies often exclude pre-existing damage, flood damage (which requires separate coverage), and damage to landscaping, among other exclusions.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Snowstorm Claims
Property owners make critical errors that lead to underpayments, delays, and denials. Most of the time, they fail to document damage immediately, provide incomplete documentation, delay reporting, and accept low initial offers without professional review. They also underestimate hidden damage such as structural weakening and mold growth, etc.
In some cases, property owners undertake temporary repairs without documentation. This makes it difficult to prove the full extent of the damage. In some cases, property owners allow adjusters to minimize the severity of the damage. These mistakes lead to heavy financial loss.
Why Are Snowstorm Insurance Claims Denied or Underpaid?
Insurance claims face denials or underpayments due to policy complexity. Carriers dispute that the damage was caused by the snowstorm, undervalue repair costs, apply exclusions, and offer settlements below actual values.
This is why professional representation is essential. Experienced snowstorm public adjusters are experts in documenting damage, can counter unfair practices professionally, and negotiate full settlements more effectively.
Professional representation is essential. Experienced snowstorm public adjusters properly document damage, counter unfair practices, and negotiate full settlements.
How Continental Adjusters Maximizes Snowstorm Claims
Continental Adjusters has decades of experience, ensuring that damage is fully compensated. Our professionals conduct thorough inspections and detailed reviews to uncover all hidden damage and make sure you receive the full settlement amount.
We have a team that prepares complete proof-of-loss documentation and precise valuations. Also, we handle negotiations with high expertise. With more than $4 billion recovered nationwide, Continental Adjusters has proven expertise that helps maximize settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a snowstorm for commercial insurance purposes?
A snowstorm is generally any weather event involving snowfall, ice, sleet, or freezing conditions that cause direct physical damage to insured property.
Is snowstorm damage covered under commercial property insurance?
In most cases, yes. Commercial property insurance typically covers direct physical loss or damage caused by snow, ice, and winter weather, subject to policy terms and exclusions.
What types of snowstorm damage are commonly covered for commercial buildings?
Commonly covered damage includes roof collapse from snow load, wind-driven snow intrusion, broken windows, damaged HVAC units, water damage from melting snow, and structural damage caused by ice.
Does commercial insurance cover frozen or burst pipes?
Usually yes, if the pipes freeze and burst due to covered cold weather and the insured took reasonable steps to maintain heat and prevent freezing.
Is snow removal damage covered?
It may be covered if snow removal equipment causes accidental damage to the insured property, depending on the policy and the classification of the damage. Coverage can vary based on exclusions and liability provisions.
Don’t Let Snowstorm Damage Destroy Your Financial Recovery. Act Now!
If your property has experienced snowstorm damage or if you need expert-level guidance on snowstorm insurance claims in 2026, contact Continental Adjusters. We have a team of licensed snowstorm public adjusters that ensure full financial recovery.
Continental Adjusters assisted a commercial property owner after the insurer significantly undervalued the damage. Through expert negotiation, Continental Adjusters secured a multi-million-dollar settlement. Professional representation is essential – contact us today.
