Will My Insurance Cover Frozen Pipes?

If you have fallen victim to a pipe that burst due to freezing weather, then you know the damage and inconvenience that comes after. The good news is, most insurance companies will cover the damage if your policy contains language similar to, "Coverage usually exists if the policy contains the following or similar language: Coverage is provided when it is determined damage resulted from a 'sudden and accidental' discharge from a plumbing source or system" (please check your policy for the exact language). You may run into an issue if you have not taken the proper precautions as far as maintaining the proper temperature in your home to prevent the frozen pipe, then your insurance company may deny your claim. Some policies require you to keep your home at a certain temperature, even if it is unoccupied. 

Be Prepared

Now that cold weather has arrived in Oklahoma and we are starting to see freezing temperatures, there are several things you can do to prevent a frozen pipe. 

• Insulate your pipes with foam sleeves or other insulation 
• Locate and repair any and all leaks
• Store drinking water in the event that your pipes freeze
• In uninsulated areas, allow faucets to drip over night
• Keep all room temperatures around 69 degrees but no lower than 55 degrees
• Remove garden hoses from exterior faucets and cover them with faucter covers available at your local hardware store
• Use shut off valves for outdoor faucets if available
• If a pipe freezes, completely open the cold water side of the faucet closest to the frozen pipe. Use a hair dryer to that out pipe. NEVER USE A FLAME
• If your property is vacant, shut off all water supplies to the home

Check Your Policy

You will want to contact your insurance agent to make sure your policy will cover frozen pipes. You will also want to make sure that your policy will cover water damage and anything else that might come from a burst pipe. Call the Oklahoma Insurance Connection today for questions about your policy or to get the coverage you need this winter.