Today's tips come from Mike Gulla, Director of Underwriting at Hippo Insurance Whether you live near the beach, in the Rockies, or in the northeast, snow, rain and high winds can damage your home during the winter months. If you want to avoid filing an insurance claim before the end of the winter, here are some steps you should take to protect your property. The Roof Rain, snow and ice can wreak havoc on your rooftop. In freezing temperatures, ice dams can form when heat rises and melts the ice and snow on your roof. Water can drip down, refreeze and create dams that can block drains and ultimately weaken your roof, putting it at risk of collapsing. Snow and hail can also drive moisture beneath your shingles. If your roof begins to leak, remove snow and tack a tarp over the damaged area until you can find someone to repair it. You should also consider these preventative measures: Insulate your attic : Check parts of your attic that may be lacking ...