When winter storms roll through, they leave more than just a blanket of snow behind. Homeowners across the country face a surge of costly damage—from burst pipes to collapsed roofs—that can turn a picturesque winter wonderland into a financial nightmare.
Understanding which winter-related claims are most common can help you protect your home and know what to expect from your insurance policy. While individual experiences vary by region and severity of weather, certain types of damage occur with striking regularity each winter season.
Water damage and freezing account for approximately 17 percent of all homeowners insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Wind and hail—which intensify during winter storms—make up close to 50 percent of claims. The average claim for water damage and freezing reaches $5,095, making prevention crucial for both your property and your wallet.
Let’s explore the most frequent winter insurance claims, why they happen, and how you can safeguard your home before the next storm hits.
Frozen and Burst Pipes: The Silent Winter Threat
Frozen pipes represent one of the most expensive and preventable winter disasters. When temperatures plummet, water inside pipes can freeze and expand. This creates immense pressure that causes pipes to crack or burst completely.
The damage often goes unnoticed until temperatures rise and ice begins to melt. Suddenly, gallons of water pour into walls, ceilings, and floors. By the time homeowners discover the problem, substantial damage has already occurred.
Why it happens: Pipes located in unheated areas—such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls—are especially vulnerable. Homes in typically warm climates face higher risk because their plumbing systems may lack adequate insulation for rare cold snaps.
Coverage details: Standard homeowners policies typically cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes, but there’s an important caveat. If the insurance company determines you failed to maintain a reasonable temperature in your home or didn’t take proper precautions, your claim may be denied. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) warns that frozen pipes may not be covered if proper temperature wasn’t maintained inside the home.
Prevention steps:
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 65 degrees, even when you’re away. The temperature inside walls is substantially colder than the living space.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold—moving water is less likely to freeze.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses before freezing weather arrives.
- Insulate exposed pipes with heating tape or foam insulation sleeves.
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is located so you can act quickly if pipes do burst.
Ice Dams: When Your Roof Becomes Your Enemy
Ice dams occur when heavy snow accumulates on your roof and begins to melt due to heat escaping from your home. As the water runs down toward the gutters, it refreezes along the colder eaves, creating a dam of ice. This ice prevents additional meltwater from draining properly, forcing it to back up under roof shingles and seep into your home.
The result? Water stains on ceilings and walls, damaged insulation, warped floors, and even mold growth if the problem isn’t addressed promptly.
Why it happens: Poor attic insulation and ventilation are the primary culprits. When too much heat escapes through your attic, it warms the roof surface unevenly. The upper portion of the roof melts snow, while the colder eaves refreeze the runoff. Clogged gutters filled with leaves and debris worsen the problem by preventing water from draining.
Coverage details: Standard homeowners insurance policies generally cover water damage caused by ice dams, including damage to your home’s interior and belongings. However, the policy may not cover the cost of removing the ice dam itself or repairing the roof if the damage resulted from lack of maintenance.
Prevention steps:
- Ensure your attic has proper insulation to keep warm air in your living spaces and out of the attic. Ideally, attic temperature should be only five to ten degrees warmer than outside air.
- Install adequate attic ventilation through roof and soffit vents.
- Clean gutters thoroughly before winter arrives, removing all leaves and debris.
- Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris buildup.
- After heavy snowfall, carefully remove snow from the lower three to four feet of your roof using a roof rake (from the ground—never climb onto an icy roof).
Roof Collapse: When Snow Becomes Too Heavy to Bear
Heavy snow and ice accumulation can create dangerous weight loads on residential roofs. While most roofs are designed to handle typical winter weather, prolonged periods of heavy, wet snow can exceed structural limits. Flat roofs and older structures face particular risk.
Why it happens: Fresh, dry snow weighs relatively little—about seven pounds per cubic foot. Wet, packed snow can weigh three times as much. Add a layer of ice, and the weight increases dramatically. Roofs weakened by age, poor construction, or previous damage may fail under these extreme loads.
Warning signs of roof stress include sagging ceiling tiles, cracks in interior walls, doors that suddenly stick or won’t close properly, and creaking or popping sounds from the roof structure.
Coverage details: Standard homeowners policies typically cover structural damage caused by the weight of snow and ice. This includes damage to the roof itself and any resulting interior damage from collapsed sections or water intrusion.
Prevention steps:
- Have your roof inspected annually by a qualified professional, especially if it’s more than 15 years old.
- After heavy snowfall, carefully remove snow from your roof if it’s safe to do so. Consider hiring professionals for this task.
- Address any existing roof damage or weak spots before winter arrives.
- Ensure your attic has adequate ventilation and insulation to minimize ice buildup.
Wind Damage: Winter’s Powerful Force
Winter storms often bring powerful winds that can rip shingles from roofs, topple trees, and send debris flying into homes and vehicles. Wind and hail account for close to 50 percent of all homeowners insurance claims, making them the single largest category of property damage.
Why it happens: Cold air masses meeting warm fronts during winter storms create intense atmospheric pressure differences. These conditions generate high winds that can reach destructive speeds. Ice and snow accumulation also make tree branches heavier and more likely to snap, even in moderate winds.
Coverage details: Wind damage to your home and attached structures is covered under standard homeowners policies. This includes damage from fallen trees and windblown debris. However, if a tree falls due to neglect—such as ignoring obvious disease or decay—your insurer may deny the claim.
Prevention steps:
- Inspect trees around your property annually and remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
- Trim branches that overhang your roof or power lines.
- Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could become projectiles.
- Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles before winter storms arrive.
- Consider installing storm shutters if you live in an area prone to severe winter weather.
Slip and Fall Injuries: Your Liability Exposure
While not damage to your physical property, slip and fall injuries on your property can trigger liability claims against your homeowners insurance. Snow and ice create hazardous conditions on sidewalks, driveways, steps, and entrances.
Why it happens: Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. Accumulated snow and ice can create dangerous walking surfaces. In many jurisdictions, homeowners must clear snow and ice within a specified timeframe after a storm.
Coverage details: The liability portion of your homeowners policy covers medical expenses and legal fees if someone is injured on your property due to snow and ice—provided you took reasonable steps to maintain safe conditions. Most policies offer between $100,000 and $300,000 in liability coverage, though higher limits are available.
Prevention steps:
- Clear snow from sidewalks, driveways, and entrances promptly after each storm.
- Apply salt, sand, or ice melt products to improve traction.
- Repair damaged steps and handrails before winter arrives—broken structures become lethal when covered with ice.
- Keep a supply of ice melt and snow removal tools readily available.
- Consider hiring a snow removal service if you’re unable to clear walkways yourself.
Fire and Heating Equipment Failures
Residential fires increase during winter months as homeowners rely on furnaces, space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves for warmth. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires nationwide.
Why it happens: Poorly maintained heating systems, overloaded electrical circuits from space heaters, and improper use of fireplaces all contribute to winter fires. Creosote buildup in chimneys can ignite, while space heaters placed too close to combustible materials pose constant danger.
Coverage details: Standard homeowners policies cover fire damage to your home and belongings, including damage caused by heating equipment failures. However, if the fire resulted from gross negligence—such as leaving a space heater unattended near curtains—the insurer may investigate more thoroughly.
Prevention steps:
- Have your furnace or boiler professionally serviced annually.
- Clean chimneys at least once per year to remove creosote buildup.
- Never leave space heaters unattended or running while you sleep.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
- Install and maintain smoke detectors on every level of your home.
- Consider adding a carbon monoxide detector to protect against this silent killer.
What Your Policy Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Understanding your coverage before disaster strikes helps you make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises during the claims process.
Typically covered:
- Sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes (if reasonable precautions were taken)
- Ice dam damage to interior walls, ceilings, and belongings
- Structural damage from the weight of snow and ice
- Wind damage to roof and exterior
- Fire damage from heating equipment
- Falling trees or branches (if not due to neglect)
Typically NOT covered:
- Flooding from snowmelt or storm surge (requires separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program)
- Sewer and drain backups (usually requires an endorsement)
- Damage from lack of maintenance or neglect
- Frozen pipes if proper temperature wasn’t maintained
- Gradual damage that occurred over time
Review your policy carefully and discuss any questions with your insurance agent. Consider adding endorsements for sewer backup coverage and increasing liability limits if needed.
What to Do When Winter Damage Strikes
Quick action can minimize damage and streamline the claims process:
- Stop the damage immediately. If pipes burst, shut off the main water valve. If your roof is leaking, place buckets to catch water and move furniture and valuables away from affected areas.
- Document everything. Take photos and videos of all damage before making any repairs. Create a detailed list of damaged items, including approximate age and value.
- Make temporary repairs. Your policy requires you to prevent further damage. Cover broken windows, tarp damaged roofs, and mop up standing water. Save all receipts—these temporary repair costs are usually reimbursable.
- Contact your insurance company promptly. Most insurers have 24/7 claims lines. Report the damage as soon as it’s safe to do so. You don’t need to wait for an adjuster before taking steps to prevent further damage.
- Keep detailed records. Save receipts for all expenses related to the damage, including temporary repairs, additional living expenses if you must leave your home, and costs for protecting undamaged property.
- Address water damage quickly. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours in wet conditions. Ensure your home is properly dried and dehumidified to prevent long-term problems. Standard policies don’t cover mold damage resulting from maintenance issues.
Take Action Before the Next Storm
Winter-related damage causes billions of dollars in losses each year, but many of these disasters are preventable. The steps you take before temperatures drop can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.
Start with a thorough home inspection this fall. Walk around your property looking for vulnerabilities: damaged roof shingles, clogged gutters, dead tree branches, exposed pipes, and inadequate insulation. Address these issues while the weather is still mild.
Review your insurance policy to understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Consider whether additional coverage or higher limits would provide better protection for your specific situation.
Most importantly, develop a winter preparation routine. Each autumn, schedule heating system maintenance, clean gutters, trim trees, insulate pipes, and stock up on ice melt and snow removal equipment. These simple actions dramatically reduce your risk of filing a winter-related insurance claim.
Winter weather is inevitable, but winter damage doesn’t have to be. Protect your home, understand your coverage, and know what to do when problems arise. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you.