Will insurance cover frozen pipes?

Author: Nick Veum  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies, in general, will cover damage from a frozen pipe that bursts.

Who is responsible for frozen pipes?

A professionally prepared lease agreement will often require the tenant to keep the unit heated to 60 degrees. If the pipes freeze, then under this lease agreement, the tenant may be responsible not only for their personal property but also the damage to the leased premises.

Is freezing covered by insurance?

The benefits that provide for IVF are only available through employer-sponsored healthcare plans and only of the employer provides that option. Typically individual health care plans in the state of California do not offer an option for IVF. The same applies when freezing your eggs.

How much does it cost to fix frozen pipes?

If damage is less serious, costs may come in around a few hundred dollars. If freezing causes pipes to burst, repairs will likely be more costly, with possible charges of $500 or even upwards of $1,000 possible depending on the the plumber and the damage.

What type of water damage is not covered by insurance?

If the damage is sudden, accidental, and comes from inside your home, you're typically protected with a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, you typically won't be covered if the water damage is caused by outside flooding or a neglected repair.

Paying for frozen pipes: What will homeowners insurance cover

Does insurance cover water damage from pipes?

Typically, your homeowners insurance covers cleaning and required repairs due to water damage that is a result of a frozen pipe that has burst. If you turned off your heat when leaving your house for a few days, causing the pipes to freeze when outdoor temperatures dropped, your claim may not be covered.

Why would a water damage claim be denied?

Reasons for denial can range from the nature of the damage itself—such as gradual damage that occurred over time—to issues with how the claim was filed, including missed deadlines or insufficient documentation. Furthermore, unreported property modifications can also lead to complications during the claims process.

How long can pipes be frozen before they bust?

Pipes typically burst when exposed to extremely low temperatures for an extended period of time (anywhere from 1-3 days depending on temperature). This is especially true for pipes located on exterior walls.

How much does a plumber charge to replace pipes?

Pipe replacement averages $1,252 and ranges from $371 to $2,133. Your plumbing repair pro can assess your home and estimate the overall cost. Pipes are the circulatory system of your house. They deliver drinking water, clean dishes, fill the bathtub, and send wastewater on its way.

Are frozen pipes a plumbing emergency?

If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

Will insurance cover damage from frozen pipes?

Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies, in general, will cover damage from a frozen pipe that bursts.

Is ice damage covered by homeowners insurance?

A standard homeowners insurance policy may provide coverage for ice-related damage resulting from hail, the weight of snow, sleet, or ice, and burst pipes. If your policy covers these ice-related perils, you can file a claim for the damage resulting from them.

What is treatment not covered by insurance policy?

Health insurance typically covers most doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, wellness care, and medical devices. Most health insurance will not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, beauty treatments, off-label drug use, or brand-new technologies.

Will pipes unfreeze on their own?

Your pipes will eventually begin to thaw on their own once the temperatures rise above freezing.

What to do if pipes are already frozen?

What to Do if Your Pipes Are Frozen
  1. Shut off the water main leading into the building.
  2. Open any faucets connected to frozen pipes to relieve pressure. ...
  3. If frozen pipes are exposed and visible, use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw ice blockages. ...
  4. Examine exposed pipes for leaks.

Do you call a plumber for frozen pipes?

If your pipes freeze:

If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out call a plumber. If you detect your water pipes have frozen, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house. NEVER try to thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame.

How much does it cost to repipe a 2000 square foot house?

The cost to repipe a 2000 sq ft house is between $3,500-$15,000 on average. Some variables that will affect the total cost of the job are the size of the house, the ease of access to the pipes, the material that is used, and if any other plumbing work needs to be done.

How much should I pay a plumber per hour?

Anticipating Plumbing Costs per Hour: What to Expect

In 2025, homeowners in the U.S. can expect to pay an average of $90 per hour for plumbing services, though rates generally span from $45 to $200 based on service type and complexity.

How long does it take a plumber to replace a pipe?

On average, a small-scale pipe replacement could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Just a Few Hours: For minor pipe damage or replacement of easily accessible pipe sections, professional plumbers could complete the job in just a few hours.

Should I turn off water if pipes are frozen?

Thaw Frozen Pipes

Turn off the water immediately at the main shut off valve. Open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice.

Will running hot water unfreeze pipes?

Pipe-thawing options: There are several things you can do to thaw your home's pipes. Here's a list: Probably the most popular and safest pipe-thawing option is to use hot water.

Will frozen pipe burst if the faucet is open?

It's important to note that you shouldn't fully open your faucets and plumbing fixtures directly after a freeze. This will drastically increase the water pressure within the pipes if there is any frozen water inside them, causing the pipes to burst.

Why is water damage not covered by insurance?

Water damage is NOT covered when it's the result of a lack of home maintenance/neglect (e.g. a roof you haven't repaired in 30 years). Flood water damage is also NOT covered (unless you have a separate policy for flood insurance in Massachusetts).

What may cause an insurance company to deny a claim?

Incorrect, Incomplete, or Unsupported Claim

Claims are often denied due to technicalities. Failure to file a timely claim, failure to notify the appropriate parties (such as employers), or failure to follow other rules may lead to an unnecessary claim denial.

Does insurance cover frozen pipes at State Farm?

Typically covered: losses caused by water abruptly leaking from a pipe inside the home, frozen/burst pipe if reasonable care is used to maintain heat in the home, water backing-up through a sewer or drain (with Back-up of Sewer or Drain endorsement) and water damage to your home caused by ice dams.

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