When It's Cold Pipes Can Burst
Almost all homeowner’s insurance policies will pay for damages caused by frozen and burst pipes. However, insurance policies generally do not cover plumbing in poor condition or issues caused by a homeowner’s negligence. Highly-rated insurance companies clearly state whether frozen pipes are covered under their policies. Thankfully, homeowners can manage the threat of frozen pipes by adequately learning how to insulate plumbing and prepare homes for the winter freeze.
Unexpected Accidents
Pipes can even burst with proper care and maintenance. Homeowner’s insurance companies require adequate home upkeep, including preventative measures to protect pipes from freezing.
However, a denied claim is likely for negligent homeowners. If corroded pipes are not replaced promptly, or a pipe freezes and bursts due to lack of proper plumbing insulation, the insurance company may view this as negligence or lack of upkeep and deny the claim.
Secondary Water Damage
Insurance coverage generally only covers the water damage resulting from a burst pipe. Pipe repair will likely have to be done by plumbers as an out-of-pocket expense. However, the homeowner can file a claim if the unexpected water burst damages the property. In addition, under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy, dwelling coverage includes the expense to restore or replace structural components of property under covered incidents.
Personal Property Coverage
When assessing the damage, the personal property should also be considered by homeowners. Individual property damage, as well as structural damage to a home caused by water, are both covered under homeowners’ insurance policies. “Personal property” includes all the homeowner’s belongings, including furniture, appliances, and clothing.
However, there are limitations that come with individual property coverage. For example, valuable jewelry or art may require secondary coverage endorsements to be compensated due to water damage, increasing the cost of homeowner’s insurance. Despite the added expense, added protection is recommended for homeowners who have these types of valuables in their home.
Loss of Use Coverage
In extreme cases, water damage severe enough may render a home unsuitable for living. As a result, the homeowner will have to make temporary living arrangements elsewhere while damage repairs are done to their home. This valuable coverage is provided by the majority of homeowner’s insurance policies.
Negligence Is Not Covered Under Homeowner’s Insurance
Part of the agreement when purchasing homeowner’s insurance is promising to keep the home in excellent condition, along with routine upkeep of the home’s systems, such as plumbing. Plumbing maintenance is crucial during the winter, including insulating the pipes or running the heating system at all times to prevent freezing.
Insulate Your Pipes
Foam sleeves and expanding foam insulation are great insulating products homeowners can use to minimize the risk of freezing pipes. A good rule of thumb for homeowners is to do plumbing insulation before winter temperatures arrive. However, waiting until winter before insulating pipes is never recommended since a sudden cold snap can result in a frozen pipe.
Regarding which pipes should be insulated first, areas with low heat output, such as attics, garages, and pipes running along a home’s exterior walls, should be the top priority. Thoroughly examining these areas and insulating exposed pipes is crucial in preventing frozen pipes.
Set the thermostat Appropriately
The homeowner’s insurance policy states that homeowners must keep their homes at an appropriate heat level. Not only is this crucial in preventing pipes from freezing, but it’s also beneficial in reducing insurance claims for burst pipes. This also applies to vacated or unoccupied properties that must meet insurance requirements by leaving the heat on in winter. In addition, minimum temperatures for homes are sometimes stated by specific insurance policies. It is in your best interest to know these numbers and set your thermostat accordingly.
The insurance company will most likely deny frozen pipe claims if a homeowner improperly maintains the home’s temperature. Other claims for frozen pipes may be rejected, such as appliance or heating system damage. Keeping an eye on thermostats before leaving the residence in colder months is one way to ensure homeowner insurance companies don’t deny claims due to negligence.
Winterize Your Home
Winterizing a home starts with scouring the residence room by room and finding areas where heat may escape. Taking hoses off outdoor faucets is also vital. The tap should be covered with insulation that protects the plumbing system against the cold.
However, while winterizing a home is practical and effective, it doesn’t provide 100% protection. If a pipe still manages to freeze, the water supply to the house will need to be shut off immediately. This helps protects flooring, furniture, and other belongings against further damage. Then, homeowners should contact a homeowner’s insurance agent, who can guide them through the next steps in restoring their bust pipe. Getting in touch with a water restoration company is also a good idea before mold begins growing.
Understand Your Policy
Your policy should contain guidelines on maintenance and heating requirements for homeowners to be aware of why their claims may get denied.
If you have any questions about your insurance policy or if your pipes recently burst and aren’t sure what to do first, call Crestview Public Adjusters. We’ve helped hundreds of people retrieve the money they deserve from insurance companies and can probably help you as well.
