Insurance Policies

With winter weather occurring, your Better Business Bureau and the Illinois Department of Insurance reminds the public to check insurance policies on the following:


Snow Plowing

• Before offering to help remove snow from a friend’s driveway with a plow on your truck, read through your policy or talk with your insurance company or agent to make sure you are covered. Your personal automobile policy may not cover your liability and any property damage you might cause.

• If you are using your plow to make a little extra cash this winter, your personal auto insurance policy may not provide coverage. Consider a commercial automobile policy – one that includes coverage for plowing – before committing your services.

Snow Removal at Home

• Generally, your homeowner or renter’s policy will cover liability for injuries should someone slip and fall on your property. However, your insurance company is going to expect that you are performing due diligence to make the walks around your home safe for visitors. If your city has a law requiring snow removal your insurance company may consider that in evaluating a claim, so be sure to check with your city to see what laws apply.

Travel Insurance

• If you are worried about not getting to your destination, or getting stuck, some travel sites and airlines offer travel insurance, which can cover everything from lost luggage to delays and cancellations. Make sure you closely read any policy you consider to be certain what it covers, and ask questions if you don't understand the limits or coverage.

Winter Illness

• Doctors' offices are crowded during cold and flu season. Your health insurance policy may offer alternatives to waiting at the doctor’s office. Ask your health insurer whether your plan includes a nurse answer line that can answer questions about your symptoms or check if your local pharmacy has a quick treatment center that accepts your health insurance.

Find insurance agencies you can trust at www.bbb.org