When temperatures plummet, even a well-built home can be vulnerable to extreme winter weather. Across much of the United States, homeowners are finding that preparedness for severe cold, heavy snow and prolonged storms is no longer optional.
Winters have become increasingly unpredictable, with colder temperatures, heavier snow and longer-lasting storms. In 2024 alone, winter storms caused over $4 billion in insured losses. As winter weather grows more severe, it is increasingly important to ensure homes are ready to withstand a wider range of conditions and that insurance coverage keeps pace with evolving risks.
Many houses are not built to endure prolonged cold or severe winter storms, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Ultimately, investing in prevention through regular maintenance and emergency planning, paired with reviewing insurance coverage to confirm protection for cold-weather hazards, can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and coverage gaps.
Even the most conscientious homeowners can be caught off guard by winter’s cold embrace. Understanding which issues occur most often, how to prevent them and how coverage applies can help households stay ahead. Some of the most common cold-weather claims include:
Frozen pipes. Frozen pipes become bursting pipes and are one of the most common and preventable winter claims. The key is to keep water moving and temperatures stable. Homeowners should keep indoor temperatures at or above 55°F—even when they are away from the house—and drain water systems in seasonal or vacant homes. During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly and check thermostat batteries to ensure the heat stays on.
If a pipe freezes, shut off the main water supply and call a licensed plumber. Attempting to thaw pipes without proper tools can cause them to burst and flood the home.
Ice dams. Icicles may look picturesque, but they often are the first warning sign of an ice dam. Ice dams form when warm air from inside the home melts roof snow, which then refreezes along the eves and gutters, preventing proper drainage. To reduce risk, clear gutters before winter, insulate and ventilate the attic, and use a roof rake to remove snow from the roof’s edge. For safety reasons, roof work is best left to a professional.
Ice dam damage may be covered under a standard homeowners policy, but coverage depends on policy terms and how the damage occurred.
Slip-and-fall injuries. Icy walkways are another common source of winter claims. Applying pet-safe ice melt or sand to driveways and steps, securing handrails and clearing snow promptly after each storm can reduce risk. Even minor falls can result in costly liability claims—particularly if a guest or delivery person is injured on the homeowner’s property. For added peace of mind, homeowners may consider increasing liability limits or adding an umbrella policy to extend protection beyond standard coverage.
Ideally, home maintenance for the winter months should start well before the first freeze. Homeowners can prepare by scheduling a heating system inspection to ensure furnaces, boilers and heat pumps are working efficiently, cleaning the chimney and testing backup generators so they’re ready when needed.
Outside the house, it’s important to clean gutters, trim tree limbs near the roof and check pipe insulation in attics, basements and crawl spaces. Sealing cracks and replacing worn weather stripping also can help prevent heat loss and water intrusion.
Even with thorough preparation, unexpected damage still can occur. For that reason, homeowners should also take time to review their insurance coverage and make sure it’s ready for winter.
Homeowners may want to consider installing smart monitors for temperature, leaks and moisture. These affordable devices, part of the expanding Internet of Things, can provide early warnings before minor issues turn into major damage. The upfront cost is minimal compared to the potential savings from avoiding a costly insurance claim.
Insurance and coverage checkup
As homeowners prepare their properties for the cold season, reviewing insurance coverage is a critical step. Only about 30% of homeowners feel confident they understand their coverage, leaving many insureds surprised when damage is not fully covered. A proactive review can help prevent costly surprises when severe weather strikes.
Working with an independent agent can help you identify coverage gaps and confirm that protection matches the home’s risks. Key areas to review include:
- Umbrella insurance: Offers additional liability protection if someone is injured on icy property.
- Optional protections: Consider endorsements for detached structures, equipment breakdown for heating systems or higher personal property limits.
Understanding what a policy covers and where exclusions exist can make a significant difference if a storm causes damage. Scheduling an annual policy review before winter begins can help to ensure homeowners coverage is complete, current and capable of protecting against seasonal risks.
Winter hazards are unavoidable, but costly damage doesn’t have to be. Through consistent maintenance, careful preparation and comprehensive coverage, homeowners can help prevent the most common cold-weather claims. By combining home maintenance with an annual coverage review, homeowners can protect their property, finances and peace of mind when the next storm arrives.
Andrew Leeds
Andrew Leeds, chief claims officer at Plymouth Rock Home Assurance, joined Plymouth Rock in February of 2021 after serving in a variety of roles within Liberty Mutual where he began his insurance career in 2004. Prior to joining Liberty Mutual, Andrew was a captain in the United States Army where he served as an Infantry officer in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y.
