Local insurance agents already have been inundated with questions about damage sustained in this week's winter storm - the most common is whether it is covered by their policy or not.
Specific areas that may be covered can vary widely depending on the type of policy or the insurance company, so it is important that both individual citizens and businesses understand what is included under their plan.
There are a some perils, though, that generally are or are not included in typical homeowners or commercial policies.
David Gash of Gash-Fitzpatrick Insurance in Danville said that many of the claims he has received are for tree damage to property or pipes bursting, which are covered by most home-owners insurance.
Gutters and roofs damaged by the ice also have encompassed by homeowners insurance.
Gash said he has also fielded several calls already about flooding.
"In weather like this the ground freezes and pulls away from foundations, so that water gets into the house," he said. "That is not a covered loss with most homeowners policies. That would be covered under flood insurance, which unfortunately most people don't have in an area like this."
