- Division of Insurance
Cold weather significantly increases the risk of frozen and burst pipes. According to our most recent home insurance report, in 2024, 48.6% of homeowners’ insurance claims in Massachusetts were for non‑flood water losses and freezing‑related damage.
Winter weather such as heavy snow, burst pipes, and ice dams can result in costly homeowners’ insurance claims. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance urges residents to take steps to reduce the risk of damage during freezing conditions.
Most homeowners’ insurance covers “sudden and accidental” water damage from a burst pipe only if the home was properly heated and not left unoccupied.
How to Be Winter‑Weather Ready
- Insulate and maintain water pipes.
- Keep your home adequately heated, especially during extreme cold.
- Shut off and cover exterior faucets used for garden hoses.
- Consider opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes during cold snaps.
- Inspect and maintain your gutters and roof when the weather is appropriate to do so. Ice dam damage may be covered if it is sudden and not caused by lack of maintenance.
Contact your insurer or agent to confirm you have the right types and amounts of coverage. Homeowners looking for more guidance on how to protect their home can also check out these tips from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
Consumers with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage are encouraged to contact the Division’s Consumer Services Unit at 617‑521‑7794 or visit the Division’s website.
