While Georgia homeowners might not expect severe winter weather, occasional cold snaps can catch residents off guard and create serious problems with frozen pipes. At North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA, we help homeowners understand how their insurance coverage responds when unexpected freezing temperatures cause pipes to burst and flood their homes.

What Does Your Policy Typically Cover?

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover the water damage caused by burst pipes, including damage to floors, walls, furniture, and personal belongings. Your policy will generally pay for cleanup costs, structural repairs, and temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable during the restoration process. However, the cost of replacing the damaged pipes themselves may not be covered, as insurance companies often consider this a maintenance issue.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Insurance companies expect homeowners to take reasonable precautions during cold weather. This includes keeping your heat on even when you’re away, opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, and letting faucets drip slightly during freezing conditions. If you fail to maintain adequate heat in your home and pipes freeze as a result, your insurance company may deny coverage for the resulting damage.

What to Do If Damage Occurs

If your pipes burst, shut off your main water supply immediately and document all damage with photos before starting cleanup. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process, as prompt reporting often leads to faster resolution and payment.

Don’t let Georgia’s unpredictable winter weather catch you unprepared. Contact North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA, to review your coverage and ensure you’re protected against frozen pipe damage.