State Farm Reports 1,200+ Claims as Winter Storm Fern Triggers Frozen Pipe and Tree Damage

has received more than 1,200 claims tied to winter storm Fern, with the majority originating in Tennessee. Early reports point to a familiar winter loss pattern for adjusters: frozen and burst pipes, downed trees, power line damage, and vehicle losses linked to ice accretion. With hundreds of thousands of customers still without power, carriers expect reporting delays and a second wave of claims as properties are inspected.

From an adjusting standpoint, the event underscores how prolonged cold, rather than snowfall totals, often drives severity. Ice accumulation led to widespread tree limb failures, increasing structural and auto losses. Frozen pipe claims are expected to expand as temperatures remain below freezing and power restoration timelines stretch into multiple days, raising the likelihood of water damage and business interruption.

Industry analysts warn insured losses could climb into the billions. Meteorologists and reinsurers note that Fern affected many of the same population centers impacted by Winter Storm Elliott in 2022, a loss event that exceeded $7 billion. Executives from Swiss Re emphasize that extended cold places sustained stress on water systems, power grids, and transportation infrastructure, amplifying claim counts even after precipitation ends.

For claims leaders, Fern reinforces the need for surge staffing, early triage of frozen pipe losses, and coordination with restoration vendors amid infrastructure disruptions. The storm also highlights why winter storms remain classified as primary perils in catastrophe models, with loss development often unfolding days or weeks after the initial weather event.