Bravera Bank
With winter in full swing, homeowners need to be aware of the risks that come with freezing temperatures, especially when it comes to frozen pipes. While insurance policies typically cover damage caused from sudden, and accidental incidents like water damage from burst pipes, important nuances can affect your coverage. Understanding what's covered—and what's not—can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure your property is properly protected.
Understanding Coverage for Frozen Pipe Damage
Sudden and accidental damage from frozen pipes is often covered under your insurance policy, particularly for damage to your personal property. However, coverage for the pipes themselves may be excluded, depending on specific circumstances and policy details. It's important to review your policy understand what is included.
As a homeowner, you're responsible for maintaining your property and taking steps to reduce the risk of damage. Frozen pipes can burst as water freezes and expands in cold temperatures, leading to potentially costly damage. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk:
-
- Blow out sprinklers or lines not in use during winter.
- Maintain or verify the temperature in your home or other properties to ensure pipes inside walls or floors don’t freeze.
- Insulate pipes in unprotected areas.
- Seal any leaks in areas where drafts could reach your pipes.
- Occasionally run water to ensure all plumbing is functioning properly.
- If you’re away, ask someone to check on your property or do so yourself when possible.
Vacant vs. Unoccupied Homes: Why It Matters for Insurance Coverage
It's important to understand the difference between a vacant and an unoccupied home, as policies often provide limited coverage for vacant properties. A home is considered vacant when it's empty; an unoccupied home simply means the occupants are temporarily away.
Why Vacancy Matters:
Vacant homes are more likely to experience unnoticed damage. If your property is vacant, your insurance coverage could be more limited or nonexistent for certain perils. It’s essential to consult your insurance advisor if you plan to leave your property unoccupied or vacant for an extended period. In some cases, a special endorsement may be required to ensure your property is adequately covered.
What About Vacant Rental Properties?
In addition to personal homes, landlords with rental properties should be aware of how vacancies in rental dwellings can affect their coverage. If your rental property is vacant for a certain period (typically more than 30 days), many insurance policies may reduce or eliminate coverage for certain types of damage. This is particularly important during the winter months when frozen pipes are a common concern.
For vacant rental properties, you may need to add a special endorsement to your policy or ensure that someone regularly inspects the property to avoid issues related to frozen pipes or other perils. It's essential to stay in close contact with your insurance advisor to ensure your rental properties remain properly covered, especially during colder months.
Protect Your Property
To protect your property from damage due to frozen pipes, it's crucial to understand your insurance coverage. Make sure to take preventive steps and contact your Bravera Insurance advisor to ensure your policy provides the right coverage, especially if your home or rental property is vacant.
Questions about insurance?
Contact one of our insurance advisors by calling 800-225-9104 or by contacting us online. You can also request a quote online.
Bravera Insurance has locations throughout North Dakota and Montana. We are licensed in 38 states with multiple areas of expertise.
Bravera Insurance is an equal opportunity provider. Products and services offered through Bravera Insurance are: * Not a deposit * Not FDIC insured * Not insured by any federal government agency * Not financial institution guaranteed