If you’ve ever had a frozen pipe burst in your home, then you know just how costly and devastating water damage can be. The good news is that most homeowners insurance policies will cover this type of damage in most cases. In this blog post, we will discuss what exactly is covered by homeowners insurance when it comes to water damage from frozen pipes, as well as some steps you can take to prevent this type of damage from happening in the first place.
Frozen Pipes and Home Insurance
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover water damage from frozen pipes, as well as the repairs that may be necessary to fix the damaged pipe. In some cases, the insurance company may even pay for the cost of temporarily relocating while your home is being repaired.
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However, it’s important to note that not all policies are created equal. Some policies may have a deductible that must be met before the insurance company will pay out any claims, while others may exclude this type of damage altogether. Be sure to read your policy carefully so that you know what is and isn’t covered.
The Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the rule that homeowners insurance will cover water damage from frozen pipes. For instance, if the pipe bursts due to your negligence (such as failing to properly insulate your home or not keeping the heat on during a cold snap), then you may be held responsible for the damages.
Additionally, if you have an older home, your policy may exclude coverage for any water damage that occurs due to “wear and tear.” In this case, you would likely need to purchase a separate insurance policy to cover this type of damage.
Steps You Can Take to Prevent Frozen Pipes
One of the best ways to deal with water damage from frozen pipes is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
Keep Your Home Warm
Keeping your home warm (even when you’re not there) can be extremely beneficial. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you’re going away for an extended period of time.
Insulate Your Pipes
Properly insulating your pipes is one of the best ways to prevent them from freezing. Be sure to use insulation tape on all exposed pipes, especially those that are in unheated areas like the attic or garage.
Let The Faucets Drip
If you’re expecting a cold snap, let your faucets drip overnight. This will help to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Keep The Cabinet Doors Open
During a cold snap, keep the doors to your kitchen and bathroom cabinets open. This will allow warm air to circulate around your pipes and help prevent them from freezing.
Seal Leaks and Cracks
Make sure to seal any leaks or cracks around your doors and windows. This will help to keep warm air in and cold air out.
If you follow these tips, you can greatly reduce the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting. However, even if you take all of the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s so important to have comprehensive homeowners insurance that will cover water damage from frozen pipes.
Conclusion
Generally, home insurance policies do cover water damage from frozen pipes. But if you don’t have insurance or your policy doesn’t cover this type of damage, then you may be responsible for the repairs (which can be quite costly).
So be sure to read your policy carefully and contact your insurance agent if you have any questions about what is and isn’t covered. Taking the time to educate yourself on this topic now can save you a lot of headache (and money) down the road.
