Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Frozen or Burst Pipes in Green Bay, WI?

The short answer: homeowners insurance often covers the sudden, accidental water damage caused by a burst pipe, but it usually does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the frozen pipe itself. Coverage depends on the individual policy, so this article is general information only, not advice about any specific policy or claim. Check your own policy and talk to your insurer.

What is usually covered

Sudden, accidental water damage from a burst pipe is often covered. That can include cleaning, repair, or replacement of wood flooring, drywall, and furniture damaged by the water. Covered parts of a policy can include dwelling coverage for the structure, personal property coverage for belongings, and loss of use or additional living expenses, such as a hotel, if the home cannot be lived in. A Wisconsin insurer, Ansay & Associates, notes that coverage depends on the policy and that negligence can affect a claim.

What is usually not covered: the pipe itself

Insurance usually does not cover the cost to repair or replace the frozen pipe itself. The policy covers the water damage that results, but not the plumbing repair. There is a nuance: if freezing is a covered cause of loss under the policy, the pipe repair itself may be covered; otherwise the pipe itself may be excluded. That distinction is in the policy wording, which is why reading it matters.

Exclusions that catch people out

• Heat turned off. If you turned off the heat while away for a few days and the pipes froze, the claim may not be covered. One major insurer puts it plainly: freezing of pipes is not covered unless you have used reasonable care to maintain heat. Keep the thermostat at 55 degrees or higher, even when away.
• Neglect. If a known leak or other long-standing problem was ignored, there may be no coverage.
• Wear and tear. A water line break from age, regular wear and tear, poor installation, ground-temperature changes, shifting soil, pests, or tree roots is not likely covered. Only sudden, significant damage may be.
• Separate risks. Base policies generally do not cover sewage backup, sump pump failure, or flooding. Those need separate policies or add-ons.

What to do after a burst pipe

First, stop the water: turn off the main water supply, and turn off electricity if the leak is near outlets or an electrical panel. Then document the damage with photos and notes, and contact your insurer. Keep records of what was damaged and what was done. If you need the pipe itself fixed, local frozen pipe repair in Green Bay through our referral service connects you with an independent local plumbing professional, and our burst pipe repair in Green Bay page explains the repair side.

Preventing a claim in the first place

The habits that prevent frozen pipes also protect a claim: keep the heat on, insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses and drain outside faucets before winter, and have someone check the heat if you go away. Our article on how to prevent frozen pipes in Green Bay covers each step.

Related reading

• Why Pipes Burst in Green Bay
• What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
• Burst Pipe Repair in Green Bay

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