A Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Frozen Pipe Insurance Claims

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter problems that people often face in Canada. When the temperature drops and water inside the pipes can freeze, leading to pipe bursts, the damage can be extensive and costly.  During this time, you may feel stressed and unsure about frozen pipe insurance claims, but you don’t have to.

This blog post will help you understand how to navigate frozen pipe claims from start to end. Read on to know what to do, what to expect, how to protect your rights, and why to seek professional help.

What Are Frozen Pipes?

Frozen pipes occur when water inside the pipe freezes due to exposure to cold temperatures. All the pipes located in the basement, attics, garages, crawl spaces and even exterior walls are more prone to this. When water freezes, the pipes may expand under pressure, leading to bursts or cracks.

You might not know about it right away, but once the ice melts, you will see the issue. The water will flow freely through the damaged pipe, leading to flooding, soaked walls, and mould growth.

Can You Get Insurance for Damage Caused by Frozen Pipes?

In most cases, yes, you can get insurance for these, but it depends on what your policy is and also the circumstances in which the damage occurred. Most of the homeowners’ insurance policies cover the damage caused by the burst pipes. But insurance often requires homeowners to take steps to prevent water in pipes from freezing.

Coverage might get denied in case:

• The home was left unheated during the winter
• The property was vacant for an extended period of time
• If the damage occurred due to poor maintenance

This is where understanding your policy becomes crucial. You must be aware of what your policy covers and how the small details in it can make a big difference in getting your claim approved or denied.

What Steps to Take When a Pipe Freezes or Bursts?

When you get to know about a frozen pipe or a burst, you must act quickly to limit the damage, strengthening your insurance claim. Here are a few steps to take:

• Turn Off Main Water Supply:

The first and foremost step is to stop the water supply immediately to prevent further damage.

• Turn Off the Electricity (if Necessary):

Secondly, if the water is flowing near electrical outlets or panels, you must turn off the electricity to prevent electrical shocks and ensure safety.

• Document the Damage:

When you want to get insurance, you must have proof to support your claim. So documenting everything from pipe bursts and affected areas to damaged belongings and visible pipe issues is crucial.

• Prevent Further Damage:

To prevent damage from freeze pipe bursts, use towels, buckets, and even temporary fixes to minimize water spread.

• Contact Your Insurance Company:

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, explain the entire situation, and follow their instructions for what to do next.

What is the Process of Filing a Frozen Pipe Insurance Claim?

The process of filing an insurance claim might seem simple, but it is one of the most overwhelming and stressful, especially when you have to deal with property damage during the winter. Here’s the process:

• Reporting your claim to the insurer is crucial to ensure they are well-informed about the issue, as they will be approving your claim.
• When informing the insurance company, you must provide them with documents and evidence regarding that.
• Then meet with the insurer adjuster, discuss your claim and show them what was damaged to get compensation for it.
• Now the last step is to receive the settlement offer that the insurance company will offer.

During this process, seeking professional help is a wise decision.  You can get an adjuster who can help you out with the process. An insurance adjuster is someone who works for the insurance company and not for you. The process can be quite intimidating, so it is advised to get in touch with an insurance adjuster like Onyx Adjusting.

Common Challenges Homeowners Face With Frozen Pipe Claims

During the claim process, homeowners can face serious challenges that can hinder their progress, such as:

• Claim denials due to the negligence of the homeowner
• There is a chance homeowners may receive a low settlement that does not cover the full repair costs.
• There might be disputes due to the cause of the damage.
• Homeowners might face delays in their claim processing.

You might face the issue, and insurance companies might argue that the pipes froze because, as a homeowner, you failed to maintain adequate heat or supervision. If you are not appropriately guided by a public adjuster, it might become difficult for you to challenge these decisions.

How a Public Adjuster Like Onyx Adjusting Can Help With Frozen Pipe Insurance Claims?

Working with a public adjuster can make a huge difference, as they don’t work for the company but for you. These will help you with the following:

• Public adjusters will review your insurance policy in detail to understand what it covers and what not. They will analyze the types of damage it covers to determine whether you are eligible for frozen pipe burst claims.
• Then they will assess the damage caused, including visible and hidden issues, to make sure nothing is missed in your claim.
• They will prepare a document outlining your claim, including the items you want, and present evidence such as photos, videos, repair estimates, damage reports, and more required to support the claim.
• Insurance companies often try to minimize the payout, but when you have a public adjuster by your side, you don’t have to worry. Public adjusters like Onyx Adjusting will negotiate directly with the insurer and their adjuster on your behalf.
• In case your claim is delayed, unpaid, or denied, a public adjuster will challenge the insurer’s decision with the help of proofs and documentation to help you file an accurate claim.

Preventing Frozen Pipes: Why is it Necessary for Insurance Claims?

Preventing frozen pipes is crucial, as homeowners are expected to take care of them. If you fail to take responsible steps to address frozen pipes, this will likely affect your claim approval. Here are some of the steps you can take:

• Maintain adequate heat in winter
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas
• Seal air lines near plumbing lines
• Arrange regular checks if the place is vacant

When you take these preventive measures, there’s a chance you won’t have to deal with frozen or burst pipes, but if it happens, you’ll have evidence that you worked on it. When you put effort into maintaining it, but it somehow happens, you will still get the compensation.

Why Choose Onyx Adjusting for Burst Pipes Insurance Claim?

Dealing with frozen pipes can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly. But worry not, as Onyx Adjusting is here to help you out. At Onyx Adjusting, we help homeowners with expert guidance, professional claim management, and strong advocacy throughout the process.

We help homeowners get the maximum settlement they deserve to address the issues. If you are also dealing with frozen pipe damage or are facing issues with your burst pipe insurance claim process, get in touch with Onyx Adjusting now to help you at every step.