Frozen Pipes, Hail Damage, Tree Collapses Most Costly Winter Claims For Homeowners

An analysis of The Hartford’s winter weather claims history finds that frozen pipes, hail damage and tree collapses are the three costliest homeowners’ claims. To help homeowners prepare for winter weather, The Hartford analyzed five years of its claims data and surveyed 184 of its property adjusters for their best advice for the season.

“We know winter weather can create challenges for homeowners,” said John Kinney, chief claim officer for The Hartford. “Our goal is to help people prepare for unexpected weather, protect what’s important to them and prevail over the season.”

One of the most common and costliest cold weather claims is frozen pipes. While most common in the Northeast and Midwest, frozen pipes happen in all areas of the country and average about $18,000 per claim.

The Hartford’s adjusters recommend learning where the water shut-off is before faced with a frozen pipe or water leak. If damage occurs from a water leak or frozen pipe, a homeowner may need to find a service company to help clean up, which may help save money and prevent further damage from mounting.

Hail damage is another common and costly winter weather claim, especially in the South where it is three times more common than in other areas. Roof damage from hail is more likely at the end of winter and can lead to claims that average $10,000.

Claims for hail damage are often filed late because the damage isn’t always easy to see. After large hail storm, a homeowner may want to consider hiring a professional to examine the roof if they’re not able to safely inspect it. Filing an insurance claim as soon as damage is noticed allows the insurance company to start working with the homeowner sooner to minimize the damage.

Wind damage and tree collapses are another common and costly winter weather claim. Trees in the West are generally larger than other parts of the country and claims in this area average more than $10,000. By comparison, tree collapse claims range on average from $3,000 to $5,000 in the Northeast, Midwest and South.

The Hartford recommends regularly assessing the trees and other vegetation on the property. Weakened tree limbs can easily come down in windy weather so the adjusters suggest maintaining and trimming trees near the home that could fall on the house, other buildings or vehicles during a storm.

Years of experience has helped The Hartford’s claims adjusters understand the benefits of planning ahead. Half the adjusters surveyed (50 percent) said they begin preparing their own homes for winter at the end of summer, around Labor Day. Another 45 percent said they start as soon as the first cold front hits. Only 4 percent said they wait for a specific storm warning.

Despite the best laid plans, it may be necessary to file an insurance claim after winter storm damage. The Hartford’s adjusters indicated the most common claim filing mistakes made by homeowners are:

• Not trying to mitigate or limit damage while waiting for an adjuster to arrive.

• Waiting to file a claim.

• Throwing away items without taking an inventory or capturing documentation.

The Hartford conducted an online survey of 184 of its property adjusters between Oct. 17, 2014 and Oct. 24, 2014. The Hartford’s claims data is from homeowners claims during the last five full winters (December to March) for weather-related perils. The claims data was organized by the regions as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Source: The Hartford