Weather Changes Can Lead to Insurance Issues

As many people nationwide can attest to, the wintertime can bring severe swings in the weather

Some parts of the country will witness a fast-moving cold front that can cause temperatures to drop below freezing in just a few hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring around one's house.

Consumers can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to their walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect their home. Most importantly, make sure your homeowners' or renters' insurance is up to date so you are covered in the event of a problem.

Before the Freeze Comes

Prior to a freeze, be sure to protect your home and your wallet from the myriad of problems that can arise.

It is advised that you:

Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, or plastic foam; Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight; Cover any vents around your home's foundation; Drain and store water hoses indoors; Protect outdoor electrical pumps; Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.); Drain water sprinkler supply lines; Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes; Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you're gone for the day or away for an extended period; Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water; Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off; If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on; If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.

If The Pipes Freeze

Despite the best of precautions, frozen pipes can strike at a moment's notice.

Should you run into a dilemma with your pipes, you are advised to do the following:

If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can't find the broken pipe or it's inaccessible. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

If the pipe hasn't burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.

Finally, don't use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.

Should You Have a Loss

If you have a loss, contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights.

You should also review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair. In addition, most policies pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can't find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.

Keep in mind that homeowners' policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage.

Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.

Finally, most homeowners' policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.