Winter Water Claims Surge: How Agents Can Prevent Frozen Pipe Losses

As freezing temperatures return each winter, insurers brace for a spike in costly water damage claims—many caused by frozen pipes. These losses, while predictable, are increasingly difficult to absorb, especially in high-risk regions where coverage availability is tightening. With burst pipes responsible for over 40% of winter claims, and average losses exceeding $15,000, the pressure is on to shift from reaction to prevention.

This piece positions insurance agents not just as policy providers but as frontline risk advisors. Their new role includes helping homeowners understand and install smart mitigation technologies, like automatic water shutoff valves, that can prevent or limit damage. The article highlights how smart systems—when properly installed—are already reducing claims frequency by as much as 90%.

It also outlines how climate variability has expanded the geographic threat of hard freezes, making frozen pipe risk a national issue rather than a regional one. In parallel, underwriters and carriers are beginning to reward verified mitigation efforts with premium incentives or coverage approvals, placing more weight on preventive action.

Claims professionals should take note: as more policies tie eligibility or discounts to verified installations, adjusters will increasingly need to assess the presence, quality, and effectiveness of water mitigation systems. Ensuring these devices are properly installed and documented may become a routine part of post-loss investigation. Moreover, the trend reinforces the value of cross-functional alignment between underwriting, claims, and agency education to reduce winter water losses and improve market sustainability.