Protect Your Property From Frozen Pipes

During these winter months, we want to bring to your attention the increased risk of frozen pipes in residential properties. Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage and result in costly repairs, which may only be covered if preventive measures are taken.

To ensure the safety of your property and the preservation of your coverage, we recommend the following precautions:

Insulation: 
  • Adequately insulate exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • To learn more about insulation, click here.
Seal Gaps:
  • Identify and seal any gaps or cracks in walls, floors, and around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering.
Heating:
  • Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, especially during extreme cold spells. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (12°C) when you are away.
  • Think about a programmable thermostat.
Drip Faucets:
  • Allow faucets to drip slightly to relieve pressure in the pipes and prevent freezing.
Open Cabinet Doors:
  • Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Leave Interior Doors Open:
  • Allow warm air to flow freely throughout your home by keeping interior doors open.
Exterior Faucets:
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets if possible.

Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes and potential water damage to your property. Please remember that your insurance policy may not cover damages resulting from neglecting these preventive measures.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.


At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find the coverage that best protects what matters most: the business you’ve built and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

One of the hazards of winter weather is frozen pipes that burst and cause damage to your home. Are you covered by your homeowners policy?

Coverage with exceptions
  • Most homeowners insurance will cover pipes that burst because of sudden and accidental damage.
  • But, the exception would be if the damage occurred because of homeowner negligence.
  • If there was negligence (if the burst pipe happened because the pipes were old or there was a lack of maintenance), then coverage would be denied. 
What’s covered?
  • Generally, coverage would include the following:
    • Accidental discharge or overflow from plumbing, air conditioning, or automatic sprinkler system.
    • However, it can also cover frozen pipes if proper precautions* are taken to prevent them from freezing.
  • Though some insurance might cover the damage caused by the water, they may not protect the actual pipes or that burst.
  • Here’s what to do if a pipe bursts.

 

*Proper precautions
  • The homeowner must take all measures, such as insulating the pipes or turning the water supply off during winter.
  • The homeowner must prove that every precaution was taken to prevent pipes from freezing.
  • How to prevent pipes from freezing.

 

Three types of coverage
  • Personal Property Coverage
    • This will cover the damaged property from burst pipes, such as property in the basement.
    • The coverage amount would depend on the policy.
  • Dwelling coverage
    • This would cover any part of the home that has sustained damage.
    • This coverage would cover the repair or replacement of damages to property.
  • Use coverage
    • This covers expenses incurred above normal living expenses, such as staying in a hotel while repairs are being done.

Speak with your Raymond Nelson Insurance agent to ensure you have the proper coverage for all your insurance needs.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.