When snow piles up across the country, plow crews work around the clock to keep local roads passable. But there are instances during major winter storms when trucks can cause property damage, from mangled mailboxes to dented vehicles.
While these situations are unfortunate, they do happen. And if you find that your property was wrecked by a snow plow this winter, here are some tips for dealing with it.
Document the damage
You’ll first want to confirm that the damage to your property was caused by a direct hit from a snow plow, rather than by the snow itself, as most departments will only cover damage from their vehicles. Check for any transferred paint, scuffs or tire marks.
Then, be sure to document any damage to your property as soon as possible. This includes taking photos and videos of the damage and the surrounding area, collecting surveillance footage and preparing a list if several pieces of your property were impacted.
File a claim
To file a claim for mailbox or landscaping damage, you need to identify if it was a municipal, county or private snow plow that hit your property. This will depend on whether you live on a road that is maintained by your town or your county, or if you live in a private community that uses private services.
Then contact your local or county Department of Public Works, or the private company directly, to file a claim within about three days, or up to 90 days, depending on where you live. Also contact your insurance company to determine if repairs are covered under your homeowners insurance policy.
You should also contact your local post office if your mailbox was severely damaged and ask them to temporarily hold your mail until it’s repaired.
To file a claim for vehicle damage, report the incident to the nonemergency police line. You should also notify your car insurance company immediately to determine if your policy will help cover necessary repairs.
Make necessary repairs
If, and how, your mailbox and landscaping is repaired will vary by municipality and county.
Most entities will typically make repairs to damaged landscaping after the snowstorm is over and when the ground thaws in the spring.
And for mailboxes, most departments will provide a standard post and mailbox, rather than replacing it with the same mailbox you had previously. Some departments will install it for you, while others will require you to do it yourself.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here’s what to do if a snow plow damages your property
Reporting by Maddie McGay, USA TODAY NETWORK / NorthJersey.com
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