If I have comprehensive insurance for my home, would it likely cover a snow plow damaging the house?

Question

I have not even checked my policy about this yet. But I will soon.

A man that I hired to plow our drive way accidently hit a metal exhaust chimney (for the furnace) on the side of the house and caused some damage.

Would you think that this would typically be covered by insurance? Admittedly, the chimney was not well protected, but no one hit it in 20 years!

A while back we had some dame to another piece of property which was caused by a storm, and it was covered. So I was wondering if something like this might be covered.

Answer 1

Your homeowners policy will definitely cover this subject to your deductible. If you haven't done so already, report it to them. They will also probably go after the owner of the plow truck and their insurance carrier and have them ultimately pay for the damage and also pay for your deductible.

Answer 2

If the person doing your snow plowing is in business for that, he should carry liability insurance to cover this type of claim.  If he is just a friend, you should check with your agent and see what they would advise.  As a former agent, I always appreciated my clients coming to me and discussing a potential claim before they contacted the company.  It sometimes can save a lot of frustration.

Answer 3

Yes your homeowner's insurance will cover this loss less your deductible.  

However, consider filing a claim against the plow driver's auto insurance.  His liability coverage will pay for the damage, and you will not have to come up with the deductible.

Answer 4

Damage to buildings hit by vehicles is covered by the liability insurance of the vehicle's owner or driver (unless that person is also the owner of the building; liability insurance applies to damage that one person does to the property of another, not to damage that any person does to their own property).

Answer 5

How much is the damage?  It probably would be covered, but its usually better not to file small homeowner's claims.  A couple of those and you will find your insurance canceled.  That's the unfair truth.