8 Common Winter Insurance Claims, and How to Avoid Them

As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare your home with insurance coverage for the challenges ahead. Changing temperatures, icy conditions, and limited daylight hours are some factors that can lead to a rise in claims during this season. In this article, we’ll explore 8 common winter insurance claims, and provide practical tips on how to prevent them, ensuring you stay protected all season long.

8 Common Winter Insurance Claims

1. Snow & Ice Damage:

At first glance, heavy snowfall can look like a winter wonderland, but if your home isn’t prepared, it can quickly result in a costly headache. Excessive ice or snow can cause roofs to weaken or even collapse. Ice and snow can also block gutters, crack concrete, and damage home electronics like garage doors and sprinklers. 

Avoid the Risk: Be sure to inspect your home before winter, ensuring that your attic is properly insulated, your gutters are cleaned, your roof is in good condition, cracks in concrete are sealed, and electronics are adequately protected. 

2. Frozen Pipes: 

If temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you could be at risk of frozen or bursting pipes. When left unprepared, a home’s water pipes could freeze after just 6 consecutive hours at freezing temperatures. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, nearly one in every 60 homes experiences a burst pipe claim due to freezing temperatures. Don’t wait until it’s too late, protect your home from the threat of a burst pipe.

Avoid the Risk: If you expect to be away from home, let your faucets drip to relieve some pressure. The Insurance Information Institute also advises keeping your home above a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, insulating your pipes, and installing a water monitoring or leak detection system.

3. Falling Trees:

The risk of trees and tree branches falling is increased in the colder months, due to heavy snow and ice accumulation weighing down branches. According to American Tree Experts, heavy snow can damage trees and their branches, “causing them to bend, break, or split, which could lead to tree failure,” resulting in limbs or even entire trees falling.

Avoid the Risk: If you are surrounded by trees that pose a risk of falling on your home, be sure to trim any dead branches and ensure your roof has the protection it needs. If you’re unsure whether a tree is a risk, consider bringing in a professional to assess its health.

4. Wind and Hail Damage:

Don’t underestimate wind and hail when preparing for winter. Wind and hail storms can cause damage just as financially burdensome as other winter elements.

Avoid the Risk: Following any wind and hail events, thoroughly inspect your property, windows, and roof for any damages. If you find any areas that need attention, be sure to file a claim, as waiting for the damage to worsen may lead to more expensive repairs.

5. House Fires:

The risk of house fires is higher in the winter, with many holiday traditions involving heavy cooking, bright lights, and burning candles. Did you know that “Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve” (National Fire Protection Association, 2024). 

Avoid the Risk: During the holidays, the NFPA suggests ensuring your live tree has enough water, blowing out all candles when you leave a room, using non-flammable ornaments and decorations, and cooking with caution. For a more detailed list of holiday safety tips, read the NFPA’s article on Holiday Fire Safety.

6. Personal Injury Liability:

During the colder seasons, there is a higher risk of slips and falls caused by icy stairways and unshoveled driveways. There is also the potential need for medical attention due to falling elements, such as icicles.

Avoid the Risk: Always maintain safe walkways and driveways by salting and shoveling snow. To reduce injuries in areas beyond your control, health professionals advise preparing for hazardous weather by wearing sturdy shoes, staying cautious, and reducing exposure to ice and snow when able.

7. Flooding from Snow Melt: 

After a snowstorm, you may be at risk for flooding due to melting snow and ice. For reference, for every 10 inches of snowfall, melting will produce about 1 inch of water. This can lead to significant issues if a snowstorm occurs and the snow and ice are left unattended before warmer temperatures arrive.

Avoid the Risk: To prevent flooding, shovel away any snow or ice near the foundation of your home and keep an eye on the snow accumulation on the roof. Experts also recommend extending downspouts at least five feet away from the house to mitigate potential flooding issues.

8. Theft and Vandalism:

Long winter nights and holiday vacationing can lead to an increase in property crime. Home robbery and personal larceny increased by 20% during the months of November and December, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. 

Avoid the Risk: Be sure to install proper security measures to protect your home, like security cameras, updated locks, secure windows and doors, and a well-lit property with motion sensor lights. Installing proper and up-to-date security measures can also help lower your insurance premiums, a win-win!

Ready to Protect Your Home? Valentine Can Help!

Even if you take all of the precautions, the winter season can still be unpredictable on your property. Whether your current policy is coming to an end, or you’re in need of an audit to determine which additional offerings are best for you, the team at Valentine is here to help.

Don’t freeze on the idea of adding property insurance to your plan – let us ensure you stay protected! Contact Valentine Insurance Services today to discuss your needs and explore how we can help you stay safe during the unpredictable months ahead!