- February 26, 2026
- Category: Home, Tips & Advice
March in Atlantic Canada does not arrive gently. Snowbanks shrink, driveways flood, roofs drip, and hidden winter damage starts to surface. While many homeowners focus on spring cleaning, few think about spring insurance exposure.
Yet this is the month when coverage gaps are most often discovered.
What the Spring Thaw Actually Does to Your Property
When snow melts rapidly, the ground is often still frozen underneath. Water cannot absorb into the soil, so it travels toward the lowest point available, usually your foundation.
This leads to three common March claims:
- Basement seepage
- Cracks in foundation walls
- Water pooling near window wells
Most homeowners assume all water damage is covered. It is not.
Standard home policies typically cover sudden and accidental water damage. They often do not cover gradual seepage or overland flooding unless additional protection has been added.
March is when those differences matter most.
The Overlooked Risk: Yard and Exterior Liability
Spring also means people are back outside. Delivery drivers. Contractors. Neighbours walking pets.
Ice patches, uneven walkways, and winter damaged steps can create liability exposure. If someone slips on your property, you could be responsible for medical costs and legal fees.
Your personal liability coverage protects you, but only if limits are adequate. Now is the right time to review whether your liability coverage reflects today’s claim costs, not yesterday’s.
Roof and Gutter Damage You Cannot See
Winter ice buildup weakens shingles and pulls away flashing. Gutters fill with debris and overflow toward siding and foundations. If water damage later results from lack of maintenance, insurers may reduce or deny a claim.
Spring inspection is not just maintenance. It is risk prevention.
Detached Structures and Seasonal Items
March is also when homeowners begin pulling out:
• Trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Boats
• Backyard sheds
Were these items added to your policy? Are they insured for replacement value?
Many homeowners forget to update their policy after purchasing new outdoor equipment the previous summer. Spring is when those forgotten purchases resurface.
Three Questions to Ask This March
- Do I have sewer backup and overland water coverage?
- Are my liability limits high enough for today’s legal costs?
- Have I updated my policy to reflect new purchases or renovations?
Spring cleaning your home is important. Spring cleaning your insurance is essential.
At Cluett Insurance, we review your coverage before small issues become large financial setbacks. Because when the snow melts, surprises should not.