Frozen pipes are a common winter problem—especially here in Minnesota. When temperatures drop, water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to burst. The damage that follows can be sudden and expensive. A common question we hear is:

Does my homeowners insurance cover frozen pipes?

The short answer: Yes, frozen pipes are often covered—but only under certain conditions.

When Frozen Pipe Damage Is Covered

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, including damage caused by a frozen pipe that bursts.

Coverage typically applies when:

• The pipe froze due to extreme cold
• The pipe suddenly burst
• Water damage occurred to walls, ceilings, floors, or personal property
• The home was properly heated and maintained

In these situations, homeowners insurance generally covers:

• Repairing water damage to the home
• Damage to flooring, drywall, cabinets, and insulation
• Damage to personal property (furniture, clothing, etc.)
• Emergency mitigation, such as water extraction and drying

Important note: Coverage is for the resulting water damage, not always the pipe itself.

When Frozen Pipe Damage May Not Be Covered

Insurance companies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent damage. Coverage may be denied if the insurer determines the damage was caused by neglect or lack of maintenance.

Common reasons a claim may be denied include:

• The home was left unheated during cold weather
• Heat was shut off while the homeowner was away
• Pipes were not properly winterized
• Known issues were ignored (previous freezing problems, poor insulation)
• The home was vacant without proper precautions

For example, if a home is left unattended during winter and the heat is turned off, insurers may consider the damage preventable.

What About the Cost to Repair the Pipe?

This is an important distinction.

• Water damage caused by the burst pipe is usually covered
• The cost to repair or replace the pipe itself may not be covered unless your policy includes specific endorsements

Some higher-end or enhanced homeowners policies may provide limited coverage for pipe repairs, but many standard policies do not.

How to Reduce the Risk of Frozen Pipes

Insurance claims aside, prevention is always the best approach. Homeowners should:

• Keep the home heated, even when away
• Set thermostats no lower than 55°F
• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls
• Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
• Shut off and drain exterior water lines

Taking these steps can help prevent damage—and protect your insurance coverage if a claim occurs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for any of your home insurance questions. (763)767-0522