Winter in Pennsylvania brings its share of beautiful snowy landscapes, but it also comes with a frustrating and costly risk for homeowners—frozen pipes. When temperatures drop, water inside your home’s plumbing system can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst and potentially flood your property. The aftermath is stressful, messy, and often expensive. That’s why knowing how to file a frozen pipe insurance claim is essential for protecting your home and finances.
Whether you’ve already dealt with this headache or want to be prepared before the next cold snap, understanding your homeowners insurance coverage and what steps to take after frozen pipe damage is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the causes of frozen pipes, what your policy may cover, and exactly what to do when disaster strikes—including why working with a public adjuster like Alliance Adjustment Group can make all the difference in your claim outcome.
What Causes Frozen Pipes and Why They Burst
In Pennsylvania, frozen pipes are a common issue during the cold winter months. When temperatures drop below 32°F, the water inside your pipes can freeze. As it freezes, it expands—and that expansion creates pressure inside the pipe. If the pressure gets too high, the pipe can crack or burst, often leading to significant water damage.
Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas—like attics, basements, garages, or exterior walls—are especially vulnerable. Just one burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short time, damaging walls, floors, and belongings.
Knowing how to file a frozen pipe insurance claim can help minimize the stress and cost of dealing with the aftermath.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Frozen or Burst Pipes?
In most cases, yes—homeowners insurance does cover frozen or burst pipes, but with a few important conditions.
When Coverage Typically Applies
Most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover the sudden and accidental damage caused by a frozen or burst pipe. That means if a pipe unexpectedly bursts during a cold snap and floods your basement, your policy will usually help pay for the resulting water damage to walls, flooring, insulation, and personal belongings.
However, the key word is “sudden.” Insurance companies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent freezing. If you left your home unheated during freezing weather, or ignored a known plumbing issue, the insurer might deny your claim due to negligence.
What’s Usually Not Covered
Insurance typically doesn’t cover:
- The cost to repair or replace the actual pipe
- Damage that occurred slowly over time
- Claims where the homeowner failed to maintain adequate heating or insulation
So, while your policy may pay for water damage caused by a frozen pipe, it might not cover the plumbing repair itself.
Steps to Take Immediately After Discovering Frozen Pipe Damage
Discovering a frozen or burst pipe in your home can be overwhelming—but acting quickly and carefully can limit the damage and strengthen your insurance claim. Here’s what Pennsylvania homeowners should do immediately:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
As soon as you suspect a pipe has frozen or burst, shut off your home’s main water valve. This prevents more water from flowing into the damaged pipe and causing additional flooding. If you’re unsure where the main shutoff valve is, it’s usually in the basement or utility area near where the water line enters your home.
2. Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas
If water is leaking near outlets, light fixtures, or appliances, cut power to that section of the house. Safety comes first—never step into standing water near electrical wiring.
3. Document the Damage
Take clear, detailed photos and videos of everything affected: soaked walls, puddles, damaged items, ceiling leaks—everything. This visual evidence will be crucial when you file a frozen pipe insurance claim.
4. Start Preventing Further Damage
If it’s safe to do so, begin mopping up excess water, move furniture or valuables out of affected areas, and place fans or dehumidifiers to help dry things out. However, don’t throw anything away just yet—your insurer or adjuster may need to see it.
5. Save Every Receipt
If you buy anything to help clean up (towels, fans, temporary heaters), or if you need to stay in a hotel due to the damage, keep all receipts. These out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursable as part of your claim.
Taking these steps helps protect your property and gives you a solid foundation when it’s time to file. And remember, you don’t have to handle it all alone—a licensed public adjuster can guide you and advocate for your best interest every step of the way.
How to File a Frozen Pipe Insurance Claim in Pennsylvania
Filing a claim for frozen pipe damage doesn’t have to be stressful—especially if you understand the process and have professionals by your side. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help Pennsylvania homeowners navigate how to file a frozen pipe insurance claim the right way:
1. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
As soon as you’ve taken steps to stop the damage and document the scene, call your insurance provider. Reporting the claim quickly shows you’ve acted responsibly, and many policies require prompt notification to remain valid.
2. Take Thorough Photos and Videos
If you haven’t already, document all visible damage—not just the burst pipe itself, but any water-soaked drywall, buckled floors, mold-prone areas, and personal belongings. The more evidence, the better.
3. Make a Detailed Inventory
Create a list of everything affected by the water damage, including:
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Valuables
- Structural elements like flooring and ceilings
Include descriptions, estimated values, and photos if available.
4. Save All Receipts and Expenses
From cleanup supplies to temporary lodging, keep every receipt related to the incident. These can be submitted for potential reimbursement.
5. Avoid Permanent Repairs—At First
Make temporary repairs to stop further damage (like shutting off water or laying down towels), but avoid starting full renovations until the insurance adjuster has inspected everything. If you must make a repair, photograph it thoroughly beforehand.
6. Be Ready for the Adjuster’s Visit
Your insurer may send an adjuster to evaluate the damage. Be present if possible, walk them through the impacted areas, and share your documentation. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance policy nearby so you can reference specific coverage details.
7. Hire a Public Adjuster (Like Alliance Adjustment Group)
While you can file a claim on your own, working with a licensed public adjuster can make a huge difference in the outcome. Unlike insurance company adjusters (who represent the insurer), public adjusters represent YOU. At Alliance Adjustment Group, we:
- Handle all communications with the insurer
- Ensure accurate, comprehensive documentation
- Fight for the maximum possible settlement
- Guide you from the first call to the final payment
Most homeowners don’t deal with insurance claims often. But we do—every single day. We know what insurance companies look for, and how to present your case in a way that avoids delays, underpayments, or rejections.
If you’re filing a frozen pipe insurance claim in Pennsylvania, having us in your corner can mean the difference between frustration and full recovery.
Why Pennsylvania Homeowners Can Trust Alliance Adjustment
At Alliance Adjustment Group, we’re more than just public adjusters—we’re your personal insurance advocates. We know how overwhelming it can be to deal with a frozen pipe disaster: water everywhere, valuable items ruined, and uncertainty about what your policy actually covers. That’s why we step in with expert guidance, clear communication, and a commitment to your best interest.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local Expertise: We know Pennsylvania homes, weather patterns, and insurance policies inside and out.
- Decades of Experience: Our licensed public adjusters have successfully handled countless frozen pipe insurance claims.
- Personalized Support: You’ll never be just a claim number to us. We take the time to understand your specific situation and tailor our strategy accordingly.
- Proven Results: We consistently help homeowners recover more than they would on their own—sometimes significantly more.
You’ve already dealt with the damage. Let us handle the insurance battle.
Let Alliance Adjustment Group handle the heavy lifting. We’ll take care of your claim from start to finish, so you can focus on getting your home—and your life—back to normal.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, insurance policies and regulations can vary. It is important to consult with your specific insurance provider or a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.