As a homeowner, one of your biggest responsibilities is keeping water where it’s supposed to be. The first time I noticed a suspicious tan stain on my ceiling, I had no idea I was about to be thrown into an unexpected AC repair frenzy. Water has a way of showing up where you least expect it, and when it does, it can lead to extensive damage. Today we’re focusing on frozen pipes, which can cause major headaches in the winter.

Frozen Pipes and Insurance: Are You Covered?

One of the biggest concerns with frozen pipes is negligence. This is where the insurance companies focus:

📌 Did the homeowner take reasonable steps to prevent freezing?

📌 Was the damage due to unavoidable circumstances, or was it preventable?

The language in most policies is purposefully vague, but the key takeaway is: If you did something to mitigate the risk, you should be covered.

For example, if you left a faucet dripping or covered an outdoor spigot, your claim is more likely to be approved. On the other hand, if you turned off your heat and left your home unattended, that’s a red flag for insurance companies.

Real-Life Example: When Insurance Almost Didn’t Pay

Let’s take a look at an actual case to see how this plays out in real life.

One of our clients owned a rental property, and while his renter was away, a water pipe froze and leaked for several days before anyone noticed. Eventually, water began seeping out of the house, catching the attention of a passerby who contacted the renter.

Our client immediately sent someone to check the property and confirmed that the pipes had indeed frozen. But then came the insurance nightmare.

Since coverage could be excluded if the heat was turned off while the home was vacant, the insurance company needed proof that the heating system was on. They reviewed electric and gas bills, ultimately confirming that the heat had never been turned off.

👉 Because of this documentation, the claim was covered. But for a while, Troy was looking at nearly $200,000 in damages with no guarantee of insurance paying for it.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipe Disasters

While insurance may cover frozen pipes, it’s always easier to prevent the issue entirely. Here are some simple ways to keep your pipes safe this winter:

1. Keep the Heat On: Maintain indoor temperatures above 55°F, even if you’re away.

2. Insulate Pipes: Add insulation to pipes in unheated areas (attics, basements, garages).

3. Let Faucets Drip: During extreme cold, allow a small stream of water to run.

4. Shut Off Exterior Water: Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets before winter hits.

How to Handle a Frozen Pipe Loss

If you wake up to find no water pressure or notice frost on exposed pipes, your pipes may be frozen. Here’s what to do:

✅ If the pipes haven’t burst:

• Open faucets slightly to relieve pressure.

• Use a hairdryer or warm towels to gently thaw pipes.

• Keep cabinets and doors open to circulate warm air.

🚨 If the pipes burst:

1. Shut Off the Main Water Valve Immediately 💦

2. Call a Plumber – Repairs should be handled professionally.

3. Document the Damage – Take photos and videos for your insurance claim.

4. File a Claim ASAP – Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Insurance Adjusters & Frozen Pipe Claims: What They Look For

When evaluating a claim, insurance adjusters will consider:

✔ Did you take preventive measures? (e.g., left heat on, insulated pipes)

✔ Was negligence involved? (e.g., ignored a problem or failed to prepare)

✔ What’s the extent of the damage? (total repair costs)

The Bottom Line

Insurance companies thrive in gray areas, and frozen pipes are no exception. Your best bet is to:

🔹 Be proactive – Prevention is always cheaper and easier than cleanup.

🔹 Keep records – Document your maintenance efforts and keep utility bills.

🔹 Know your policy – Every policy is different, so check the details of your coverage.

For more information on frozen pipes, check out these helpful resources:

🔗 Avoid Home Damage from Frozen Pipes – TN.gov

🔗 Tennessee Ranks Third in Frozen Pipe Claims – WKRN

🔗 Winter Prep 101 – State Farm

Insurance can be frustrating, but knowing how to protect your home and navigate the gray areas of coverage puts you in a much better position. Stay prepared, and don’t let frozen pipes ruin your winter!