Frozen Pipes & Insurance: What’s Covered and How to Prevent Costly Damage

Frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive winter-related insurance claims for homeowners. When temperatures drop, pipes can freeze, burst, and cause extensive water damage in a matter of minutes. The good news is that many homeowners insurance policies do cover damage from frozen pipes, but only under certain conditions.

Here is what you need to know about insurance coverage, common exclusions, and how to protect your home before winter damage strikes.

Are Frozen Pipes Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

In most cases, yes. Damage caused by frozen or burst pipes is typically covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy, provided the homeowner took reasonable steps to prevent the loss. Covered damage often includes:

• Water damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and personal property
• Resulting damage from the sudden discharge of water
• Mold remediation when it is the direct result of a covered, sudden loss

Coverage can vary by carrier and policy form, so details matter.

When Frozen Pipe Damage May Not Be Covered

Insurance companies expect homeowners to properly maintain and protect their property. A claim may be denied or limited if:

• The home was left unheated during freezing temperatures
• Reasonable steps were not taken to maintain heat or drain plumbing
• The damage occurred gradually over time and was not promptly addressed
• The home was vacant or unoccupied without required precautions

For example, if a vacation home loses heat and pipes freeze because the thermostat was turned off or utilities were disconnected, coverage may be reduced or denied depending on policy language and specific facts of the circumstance.

Does Insurance Cover the Pipe Itself?

This is an important distinction.

• Water damage caused by a burst pipe is typically covered
• The cost to repair or replace the failed pipe itself is often excluded unless it was damaged by a covered peril

Policy wording varies, which is why reviewing your homeowners insurance with your agent is important.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes and Costly Claims

Preventing frozen pipes is far easier and less expensive than dealing with water damage after the fact. Smart steps homeowners can take include:

1. Keep Your Home Heated: Maintain indoor temperatures of at least 55°F, even when you are away.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes: Protect pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls with insulation or heat tape.
3. Let Faucets Drip: Allowing a slow drip during extreme cold can help relieve pressure inside pipes.
4. Open Cabinet Doors: Let warm air circulate around plumbing under sinks, especially on exterior walls.
5. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Lines: Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior water supplies before freezing temperatures arrive.
6. Winterize Vacant or Seasonal Homes: Drain plumbing systems or have the home professionally winterized if it will be unoccupied.

Why Guidance Matters

Not all homeowners insurance policies are the same. Coverage limits, exclusions, and policy conditions can vary, especially for winter-related losses. Working with a local, independent agency like MetzWood Insurance helps ensure you understand:

• What your policy covers before a loss occurs
• What steps are required to maintain coverage
• Whether additional endorsements or safeguards make sense for your home

Protect Your Home Before Winter Damage Happens

Frozen pipes can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, but with the right coverage and preventative steps, they do not have to disrupt your winter. If you are unsure whether your homeowners insurance adequately protects you from frozen pipe damage, MetzWood Insurance is here to help.

Our team can review your policy, explain your coverage, and help you prepare for winter with confidence. Contact MetzWood Insurance today to review your coverage. 

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