Frozen pipes and water damage go hand in hand every winter season. This is because frozen pipes tend to burst as pressure builds within them, leading to water in places it shouldn’t be. Water damage can be a very costly fix because you may need to replace sections of your flooring and drywall. Frozen pipe insurance claims help you get financial compensation from your insurer to cover all your water damage restoration costs.
However, your insurance policy must cover the type of water damage before you can file a frozen pipe insurance claim. The best way to avoid issues with your frozen pipe claims is by hiring a public adjuster. A public adjuster is a professional who handles all aspects of your claim on your behalf. In this article, we will explain when your homeowner’s insurance will and will not cover your frozen pipe water damage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Frozen Pipes?
The short answer is no, homeowner’s insurance doesn’t usually cover frozen pipes. However, your insurer will most likely cover the water damage from the frozen pipes. This means that your insurer may not pay to repair and replace the burst frozen pipes. But they will pay to replace or restore your furniture and clothing that were soaked in water. This is because insurance companies believe that homeowners should take reasonable precautions to avoid issues such as freezing.
Ensure you are specific when filing frozen pipe insurance claims. If your policy doesn’t cover the pipes but covers the resulting damage from pipes, file a water damage claim. Avoid claiming for the burst frozen pipes, as your insurer will likely deny that.
When Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Frozen Pipe Water Damage?
Several factors influence whether or not your insurer will cover your frozen pipe water damage. Before filing frozen pipe insurance claims, it is best to read through your policy to understand your coverage.
Insurance covers unexpected damage and losses, which is why it never covers negligent acts. Therefore, if your frozen pipe bursts suddenly and unexpectedly, your insurer will cover the resulting damage. However, if you noticed that your pipes were frozen and didn’t attempt to thaw them out, your insurer may deny your claim. In the same vein, if your frozen pipe burst and you did not try to mitigate the damage, you may lose the claim.
Additionally, your insurance may not cover frozen pipe water damage if your plumbing system is old. Corroded and aged pipes are more likely to burst when frozen. Therefore, your insurer will insist that the water damage wouldn’t have happened if your pipes were newer.
Lastly, your homeowner’s insurance policy will likely cover water damage if your home was well-heated when the frozen pipe burst. If you turned down the heat and your pipes burst as a result, your insurer may not reimburse you.
What Type of Water Damage Does Homeowners' Insurance Cover?
Water damage can affect both your home’s structure and your personal property. The dwelling coverage under your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover structural water damage. For example, let’s say your walls become spongy due to the frozen pipe water damage. Your insurance will cover the replacement of the drywall.
Your personal property coverage will also cover water damage to your personal items. For instance, if your furniture and jewelry become water-saturated, your insurer will pay for their restoration.
The insurance company may also cover the cost of water clean-up, drying, and mold prevention. These services help restore your home from water damage and ensure that you don’t have to deal with mold issues later on.
How to Avoid Denied Frozen Pipe Insurance Claims
To avoid denied or underpaid frozen pipe insurance claims, do the following:
Hire a Public Adjuster
You should reach out to a public adjuster immediately after filing your insurance claim. They will create a moisture map to document the source and extent of the water damage. Doing this prevents your insurance provider from alleging that the frozen pipe damage came from your negligence. It also significantly increases your chances of getting maximum settlement.
Furthermore, your public adjuster will ensure your insurer doesn’t write off your damage as a partial loss. They will push for a full replacement of your water-damaged personal items, ensuring you have a clean and dry home.
Read Your Insurance Policy
Insurance policies differ, and thus, coverages also differ. One insurer may refuse to cover your burst frozen pipes, while another may be happy to do so. Knowing the extent and limits of your coverage helps you avoid filing wrong frozen pipe insurance claims.
Furthermore, your insurer may have special requirements you must fulfill when filing a claim. For example, your policy may state that you must include evidence of damage in your claim. If you don’t do so, your insurer will automatically deny the claim. If you’re in a rush, scan your homeowners insurance declaration page for a quick summary of your policy.
Maintain Your Plumbing System
Insurance companies love proactive and risk-averse homeowners. This is because they rarely file claims, and when they do, they file claims with merit. Regularly maintaining your plumbing system shows that you are a careful homeowner. It also eases the insurer’s suspicions that the water damage stemmed from your negligence. This then reduces the chances of having denied frozen pipe insurance claims.
File Your Claims Promptly
Your insurer likely has a time limit on frozen pipe insurance claims. If you wait too long before filing, you will receive a denial. Therefore, you should report the damage as soon as possible and fill out the insurance claim form.
Conclusion
Frozen pipe insurance claims can be a real source of frustration during winter. However, if you take the time to read through your policy, you can avoid the hassle. Your insurance policy will explain what it covers and what it excludes. Use this information to guide yourself when filling out the claim form.
To avoid denied frozen pipe claims, hire a plumber to examine and maintain your plumbing system every year. Additionally, avoid filing late claims and filing claims before reading your insurance policy.
Public adjusters are the advocates you need to get you through the insurance claims process. We will handle the gathering of evidence and claim negotiation for you. Give us a call today and get a free consultation on your case.
