Frozen Pipes Are One of Winter’s Costliest Claims — Here’s How to Handle Them
- Adam Overmyer
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
With wind chills nearing -20°, frozen and burst pipes are one of the most serious winter risks facing New Jersey homeowners and business owners right now. These types of losses aren’t rare during extreme cold snaps — and when they happen, the damage can escalate quickly.
Older homes, commercial buildings, offices, mixed-use properties, and any space with uninsulated walls or limited heat are especially vulnerable.
Around 10 years ago, we had a similar weather event and we assisted with a claim involving a home built in 1890. A pipe froze inside an uninsulated wall, burst, and went unnoticed. By the time we arrived to help assess the loss and initiate the insurance claim, water had frozen outside the front door and the entire first floor had turned into an ice skating rink. Flooring, walls, and contents were already impacted.
This is exactly how winter water losses spiral — fast, silent, and destructive.
We often see losses like this in older properties, which is why coverage reviews for older and mixed-use buildings are so important — especially during extreme weather events.
What to Do Immediately If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts
Whether you own a home or run a business, the first steps are critical:
Shut off the main water valve if you can do so safely
Call a licensed plumber right away
Contact your insurance company or broker to establish a claim
Take photos and video of all damage before cleanup begins
Avoid open flames or aggressive thawing methods
Time matters. Delays can allow damage to spread and may complicate the claim process.
Water damage can escalate quickly, and many property owners don’t realize how their policy responds to different types of losses, including burst pipes versus flooding — something we regularly review when discussing water-related insurance coverage with clients.
Step One: Establish the Claim Early
Once water is shut off and a plumber is on the way, the most important step is establishing the claim.
Opening the claim early:
Creates an official record and timestamp
Allows the carrier to assign an adjuster
Gives access to approved restoration vendors
Helps prevent coverage disputes if damage worsens
At The Overmyer Insurance Agency, we often report claims on behalf of our clients so nothing is missed in those first critical hours.
Who’s Involved in a Frozen Pipe Claim (and Why It Matters)
Most frozen pipe claims involve several parties, each with a specific role:
Insurance adjuster – Reviews coverage and evaluates the scope of damage
Restoration company – Handles emergency water extraction, drying, and documentation
Plumber – Identifies the cause and repairs the failed pipe
Your insurance agent – Helps interpret coverage, answer questions, and keep the process moving
The restoration company’s documentation is especially important. Their moisture readings, photos, and reports often form the backbone of the claim file used to approve repairs and payment.
Document Everything Before Cleanup
Before anything is removed or discarded:
Photograph and video all affected areas
Capture standing water, ice, damaged flooring, walls, and contents
Keep damaged materials until the adjuster confirms what can be discarded
Cleanup is necessary — but documentation protects you if questions come up later about the cause or extent of the damage.
Drying Comes First — Rebuilding Comes Later
One of the most common mistakes we see is rushing into repairs too soon.
A properly handled frozen pipe claim follows this order:
Emergency mitigation and drying
Moisture readings and clearance
Carrier review and scope approval
Repairs and rebuilding
Rebuilding before drying is complete can lead to mold concerns, denied portions of the claim, or rework that isn’t reimbursed by insurance.
Coverage Isn’t Always Automatic
Frozen pipe damage is typically covered when it is sudden and accidental, but complications can arise if:
The building was vacant or inadequately heated
Maintenance issues are alleged
The loss occurred over time rather than from a sudden burst
This is where having an experienced independent agent involved makes a real difference. We help ensure the loss is accurately described, documentation is complete, and coverage questions are addressed early — before assumptions are made.
How We Help Homeowners and Business Owners
At The Overmyer Insurance Agency, we don’t just place insurance policies — we help clients obtain the right coverage for their needs and navigate claims when it matters most.
We work with:
Homeowners
Landlords
Business owners
Owners of older and mixed-use properties
For business owners, burst pipes can also mean lost income, displaced employees, and temporary closures — risks that should be addressed through proper commercial business insurance coverage.
If you’d like to review your home or business insurance coverage, or request a quote, we’re here to help. A proactive review now can make a meaningful difference before the next claim ever happens.
Stay safe, limit travel during extreme cold, and hopefully your Super Bowl plans stay warm and dry. 🏈❄️
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