Winter Roads, Warm Homes: Essential Insurance Tips for a WNY Winter

Ellen Fenton & Co. Insurance

As the air turns crisp and the first flakes start to fall, life in Ellicottville and across Western New York begins to shift. We’re swapping hiking boots for snow boots, and the anticipation for the snow guns to fire up is building on the slopes. It's time to start prepping our homes for the season ahead — because truthfully winter will be here before we know it.

At Ellen Fenton & Company Insurance, we know this time of year brings both cozy comfort and added risk. Whether it’s icy backroads, frozen pipes in older country homes, or unpredictable lake-effect snow, now is the perfect time to review your home and auto insurance before the deep freeze sets in.

Here are a few ways to protect your home, your car, and your peace of mind this winter:

1. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Before the Freeze

In Ellicottville and neighboring towns, winter weather can test even the best-prepared homes. Frozen pipes and ice dams can cause costly damage fast — but a quick coverage check can prevent major headaches later.

Home insurance winter tips:

• Keep thermostats set to at least 55°F, even when you’re away for a ski weekend.

• Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold spells.

• Know whether your policy covers water damage from frozen pipes.

Not sure what’s included? Our team at EFC can help you understand your policy and identify simple updates that strengthen your protection before temperatures drop.

2. Prepare Your Auto Insurance for WNY Roads

Between black ice, deer crossings, and those classic Route 219 whiteouts, winter driving in Western New York is anything but predictable.

Make sure your policy includes:

• Comprehensive coverage for weather or wildlife damage.

• Collision coverage for accidents caused by slippery conditions.

• Roadside assistance for emergencies or breakdowns.

You can’t control the weather — but you can control your readiness before hitting the road.

3. Bundle and Save Before the Holidays

If your home and auto insurance are with different carriers, consider bundling before year-end. Bundling can:

• Lower your monthly premium.

• Simplify your renewals.

• Ensure consistent coverage across your household.

Our agents will compare options to find what fits your lifestyle — whether that’s a chalet in Ellicottville, a farm in Cattaraugus County, or a family home in Olean.

4. Keep a Winter-Ready Mindset

Insurance is about peace of mind — and that matters most when the snow starts piling up.

This season, take time to prepare, double-check your coverage, and rest easy knowing that if something happens, Ellen Fenton & Company Insurance will be here to make the process smooth and stress-free.

From snow-covered sidewalks in Ellicottville to country roads in lead you there, we’re proud to help protect what matters most for the families, farms, and businesses that make Western New York home.

Visit Us in Ellicottville

As a reminder, our offices have temporarily merged, and we’ll be serving all clients from our Ellicottville location this winter season.

To schedule a policy review or meet with an agent, give us a call or stop by:

📍 39 Mill Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731

📞 (716) 699-2044

We look forward to helping you stay protected — and prepared — all winter long.

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