Prepare For Top Winter Home Insurance Claims

How to Prepare for Top Winter Home Insurance Claims

Winter has a certain allure. There's nothing like the coziness of the colder months, with heavy snowfalls, twinkling holiday lights, and nights in front of the fireplace. However, the same elements that we enjoy about winter are also the ones that can pose potential hazards to your home, ranging from storm damage to house fires. They can also result in expensive home insurance claims, which raise your overall premium.

The good news is that there are numerous preventative measures you can take to protect your home as we enter the colder months. Here are four common types of winter-related home damage, as well as how to avoid them.

5 Most Common Home Insurance Claims in the Winter

It stands to reason that the majority of home insurance claims filed during the colder months are for winter weather damage. However, some occur as a result of heating your home, as well as accidents during the holiday season. Fortunately, taking precautions ahead of time can help keep your home safe during the harshest winter months. Here are some of the most common winter home insurance claims, as well as tips on how to avoid them.

  1. Frozen pipes

A frozen water pipe could be the cause of your kitchen faucet not working on a cold winter morning. Frozen water within a pipe can cause the entire pipe to burst, resulting in flooding and significant structural damage. It also increases the likelihood of mold growing in your flooring, drywall, or household appliances. Frozen water pipes are an issue in both cold and warm climates, and they usually affect homes with copper or plastic pipes. The damage is also not cheap. The average claim for water damage caused by burst or frozen pipes can easily exceed $10,000 to $20,000 in value.

Tips to prevent frozen pipes:

  • Let your faucets drip. When temperatures are cold, turn the warm water to a trickle overnight, preferably from an outside wall faucet.
  • Pipes should be insulated. Exposed pipes are the most prone to freezing. Even if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are uncommon, it is critical to add pipe insulation, particularly in attics and crawl spaces. For ultimate peace of mind, wrap the pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables.
  • Adjust the thermostat. Maintain the same temperature on your thermostat during the day and at night. It may result in a slightly higher heating bill, but it will save you money if your pipes freeze and burst. It can also assist in reducing the strain on your furnace.
  • Open cabinet doors. This allows warmer air to circulate around uninsulated pipes under sinks and near-exterior-wall appliances.
  • Seal leaks. Look for air leaks that allow cold air into your home, particularly around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Caulk or insulation can be used to completely seal leaks and keep cold air out.
  • Keep the garage door shut. This is especially important if your garage contains water supply lines.
  1. Snow and ice damage

More than just frozen pipes cause winter damage to your home. When ice forms on your roof, the weight of the accumulation can cause structural damage. Ice dams are another form of destructive damage. These happen when melted snow refreezes near your gutters or the edges of your roof. When the ice melts, water can seep under roof shingles, causing leaks and mold growth in your walls and ceiling. Larger icicles may be heavy enough to rip a gutter off.

Tips to prevent snow and ice damage

Keep your gutters clear of debris throughout the winter so that melted snow can drain properly. You should also ensure that your attic is properly insulated by caulking any gaps where warm air can escape from your living areas. This will keep your roof cold, preventing the formation of an ice dam in the first place.

  1. House fires

Thanksgiving is the most dangerous holiday for cooking fires, and the likelihood of a candle fire on Christmas Day is nearly three times higher than the national average. Another common source of winter insurance claims is space heaters.

Tips to prevent a house fire: 

  • Fire hazards should be kept away from heaters, lights, and radiators. Always turn off electrical appliances after a set period of time, especially before going to bed.
  • Water your Christmas tree on a regular basis to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
  • When the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles and turn off all electrical appliances.
  • Never heat your home with a stove.
  • Install a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace and have it cleaned once a year by a professional chimney sweep.
  1. Wind and hail damage

In 2020, hail and wind claims accounted for more than 45% of home insurance losses. Wind and hail exclusions may apply to your policy, so check it to see if you're covered for these damages.

Tips to prevent wind and hail damage:

  • Examine your roof. If your roof is five years or older, you should have it inspected to ensure there are no weak spots. This can include loose shingles or nails that could allow water to enter your home. Consider installing a metal roof if you live in a hail-prone area. If your home has skylights, you may want to consider installing a shutter system for added security.
  • Patio furniture should be stored. During a winter storm, outdoor furniture and other heavy items (flowerpots, lawn decorations, etc.) can become a dangerous projectile. To prevent strong winds from lifting them up, keep them in an enclosed space or anchored with cables.
  • Remove all tree branches. High winds are hazardous to any tree branches that are too close to a window or your roof, as well as those that are weak and hang low to the ground. Remove or trim back any branches that pose a threat to your home as part of your winter preparations.
  1. Personal injury liability

Ice on your property, whether on the sidewalk, driveway, or stairwell, can pose a liability risk to you and any visitors. Other hazards, such as falling icicles, can also result in injuries and lawsuits.

Tips to prevent personal injury liability:

  • Spend some time clearing your driveway and walkways. Consider hiring a professional if you don't have the time or ability to do it yourself.
  • Apply rock salt to icy areas to make them less dangerous.
  • Keep debris out of gutters so that runoff does not freeze on your driveway.

What Does Your Home Insurance Cover?

Most home insurance policies cover snow, wind, ice, and rain damage. If your home becomes uninhabitable due to damage, your policy will cover the additional living expenses for your temporary stay at a hotel while repairs are being made. The following are the most common types of winter damage that are typically covered by standard homeowners insurance:

  • Ice damage
  • Frozen or burst pipes
  • Damage from falling snow or freezing rain
  • Damage to your home or other insured structures caused by the weight of accumulated snow.
  • Wind damage to your house, roof, or other insured structures
  • Damage from fallen tree limbs

Keep in mind that, depending on your policy, wind and hail exclusions may apply. Examine your policy carefully or speak with your insurance agent to ensure you're ready if disaster strikes.