Homeowners Insurance in Winter: What You Need to Know
Winter brings cozy nights by the fire and plenty of holiday cheer, but it also brings risks homeowners can’t afford to ignore. From heavy snow piling up on roofs to frozen pipes and heating system breakdowns, winter can cause serious—and expensive—damage to your home.
The good news? With a little preparation and the right insurance coverage, you can keep your home safe, warm, and properly insured all season long.
Winter Risks to Watch Out For
1. Heavy Snow on Your Roof
When snow and ice accumulate, the weight can stress your roof, leading to cracks, leaks, or even collapse.
What’s Covered?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by the weight of snow and ice.
How to Prevent It:
– Remove excess snow with a roof rake or hire professionals after heavy storms.
– Inspect your roof before winter to ensure it’s sturdy enough for the season.
2. Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop, water in your pipes can freeze and expand, leading to burst pipes and water damage—one of the most common winter claims. Review your policy to check for coverage.
What’s Covered?
Insurance typically covers(but not always) sudden and accidental water damage caused by frozen pipes—but only if you’ve taken steps to prevent it.
How to Prevent It:
– Insulate pipes in cold or exposed areas like basements, attics, and garages.
– Keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even when you’re away.
– On frigid nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
3. Heating System Failures
Your furnace or boiler is your home’s unsung hero during winter. If it breaks down, your home can get dangerously cold, increasing the risk of frozen pipes, mold, or other damage.
What’s Covered?
Secondary damage (like burst pipes) caused by a heating failure is often covered. However, repairing or replacing your heating system is typically not included.
How to Prevent It:
– Schedule a professional heating system inspection every fall.
– Replace filters regularly and address any performance issues quickly.
Maintenance Issues vs. Insurable Damage
Here’s something every homeowner should know: Insurance covers sudden, unexpected damage—but not issues caused by neglect.
Maintenance Issues:
Failing to clean your gutters, skipping furnace checkups, or ignoring a small leak could result in denied claims.
Insurable Damage:
A roof collapse after a snowstorm or a pipe that bursts despite proper care is typically considered a covered loss.
The Bottom Line:
Regular maintenance isn’t just good for your home—it ensures your insurance will work for you when you need it most.
5 Ways to Winter-Proof Your Home
- Clear Your Roof and Gutters: Remove snow buildup and clean gutters to prevent leaks and ice dams.
- Insulate Pipes and Keep the Heat On: Protect pipes with insulation and maintain a steady thermostat, even if you’re on vacation.
- Schedule Heating System Maintenance: A quick inspection can prevent costly breakdowns during the coldest days.
- Seal Drafts and Leaks: Check doors, windows, and attics for drafts that let heat escape.
- Review Your Insurance Policy: Make sure you’re covered for snow damage, frozen pipes, and other winter risks. If you’re unsure, your insurance partner can help.
Stay Properly Insured with Trusted Insurance Partners LLC
Winter can be tough, but protecting your home doesn’t have to be. At Trusted Insurance Partners LLC, we’ll help you find the right insurance policies so you can focus on staying warm and worry-free.
Is your policy ready for the winter months ahead? Reach out to us for expert advice.
We’re here to insure what matters most!