Frozen Pipe Damage Insurance Claims: A Risk in Winter

Updated November 2025

Higher Deductibles for Frozen Pipe Claims and How to Avoid the Disaster

We are presently facing the impact of harsh cold and snow-covered roads, yet there's a concealed hazard that incurs thousands of dollars each year for both insurance clients and carriers. The risk of pipes bursting from freezing poses a major loss threat during winter.

Frozen pipes ranked Number 3 among loss types for the Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma region in 2022, with 23.5% of all claims being related to water damage/freezing and with an average payout of $12,500 (www.quickenloans.com; 8/31/2023).  

From August 2022 to August 2023, State Farm paid out over $806 million for over 32,000 claims from frozen pipes and water damage. Claims averaged $25K. Missouri claim total was 27.5 million. (https://newsroom.statefarm.com/freeze--thaw-bad-mix-for-all)

Frozen pipes are a common cause of damage.

Why Water Damage Claims are Rising

What is the cause of the increase in these types of claims? Many carriers would look at weather-related extremes such as flooding and sub-zero temperatures that create freezing incidents. The factor that involves increased claims costs is that most water claims have hidden factors, such as mold from water wicking up inside the walls and damage that is not visible to the naked eye. 

Freezing pipes may also damage the walls, ceilings, and flooring due to a burst pipe hidden for days. All of these things create mitigating circumstances that increase the overall cost of repairs. It may even require your organization to meet elsewhere due to remediation and restoration after the damage, which involves drying and possible reconstruction.

Expect Higher Deductibles for Frozen Pipes

Policy deductibles are rising across the board, and some church insurance carriers are now using percentage-based deductibles specifically for frozen pipe claims—a trend likely to continue through 2025. Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage, and insurance may not cover the full cost.

Frozen pipes can create serious costs that insurance may not fully cover.

For Brotherhood Mutual policyholders—as well as anyone in the general market—one proactive option is installing a leak detection system to monitor your plumbing. These systems track water flow and alert you to irregularities. The FloLogic system even includes an automatic shut-off to stop water from pumping into the building once a leak is detected.

According to Chuck DeSmet, founder of FloLogic, it only takes moments for a small drip to turn into major water damage. Our agency has additional information on this valuable protection option and would be happy to share it with you.

How to Protect Your Building from Frozen Pipes During Cold Weather

As temperatures plummet, frozen pipes can become a serious problem, leading to costly repairs and water damage. Here are practical tips to keep your home's plumbing safe during cold snaps:

Keep Water Flowing

Let cold water drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes. Even a small trickle of running water can prevent pipes from freezing.

Maintain a Steady Thermostat Setting

Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature throughout the day and night. Avoid lowering it at night during extreme cold, as even slight temperature drops can increase the risk of frozen pipes.

Leave Heat On When Away

If the business is closed due to the weather or other reasons, keep your building heated to at least 55°F. This ensures your pipes remain warm enough to avoid freezing.

Plan Ahead with Insulation

For long-term prevention, insulate attics, basements, and crawl spaces to help retain heat in vulnerable areas. Seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and foundation sill plates to eliminate drafts that can lower indoor temperatures.

By following these steps, you can safeguard your home from the inconvenience and expense of frozen pipes, ensuring a warm and worry-free winter.

Contact the Loomis Insurance Agency with Questions

Please don’t hesitate to contact us today for assistance in looking ahead to the policy changes and making plans to meet the challenge of water damage head-on. As always, we are available to be of assistance.  

You can rest assured that there are preventive measures that are of value in saving your organization thousands in damages. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!