Winter weather brings additional maintenance and insurance considerations for property owners and renters. Many property insurance policies carry an exclusion related to water damage resulting from freezing. Every insurance company approaches damage from freezing differently so we encourage you, before leaving your home or cottage for more than a few days in wintertime, to make sure you understand this exclusion on your own policy, and consider how you should best protect your property to avoid an uninsured loss.
Resultant damage caused by the freezing of any plumbing, heating, air conditioning systems or other household appliance in your home or cottage can cause serious havoc to you and your family, and often a significant financial impact if it is not insured. It is important therefore to understand that there are steps that should be taken to minimize the potential for loss. While we are all able to prepare for scheduled departures from our home, an unanticipated power outage or equipment failure during our absence will leave the home vulnerable to unexpected freezing temperatures. To prevent water damage resulting from freezing temperatures, if you are considering a trip during the winter months where the home will be unoccupied, we recommend you either:
- Ensure your plumbing system is shut off and the water is drained from all appliances; or
- Arrange for someone to enter and check your home every day while you are away to ensure heat is maintained and no issues are apparent.
- If you have a centrally monitored alarm system for fire/burglary, we also encourage you to consider adding a low temperature alarm sensor as part of the monitored service.
While this is a generalization of an exclusion common across most Insurers, it not identical to every property owner. Be sure to speak with us if you have any questions about this exclusion or the specific coverages of your policy.
