Pipe Bursts

Arctic air masses have been moving over the US this week, with highs in the 0s and 10s in much of the US. With winter comes winter insurance claims- in the south, this often comes in the form of burst pipes.

As water freezes, it expands. Pipe bursts are caused by pipes that freeze with water in them and are ruptured by the sudden expansion of the ice. Pipes running through exterior walls, attics, crawlspaces, and garages are most vulnerable, as they are not as well insulated as pipes that run through temperature controlled parts of the building.

After a pipe has burst, the policyholder or their plumber will need to turn off the main water supply at the building. Leaving a faucet open on the line will help allow pressure to escaep. After that's done, it's time to assess the damage. Did the pipe burst in a single area or in several spots? If it's in a single area, a pipe repair clamp may be able to provide a temporary fix. But ultimately, the entire section of pipe will need to be accessed, removed, and replaced by a plumber. In addition, the entire area will need to be evaluated for any water damage caused by leaks resulting from the pipe burst.

As an adjuster, you need to take into account the circumstances surrounding the pipe burst to determine coverage. Was the house occupied or unoccupied? If it was unoccupied, was the heat left on? Did the insured try to leave water dripping? What is the insurance policy's clause on vacancies or abandonment? Were the pipes well-maintained? Does the client want you to estimate all damage, or only covered damage?

Be sure to take plenty of photos and get documentation from the policyholder's plumber. Keep the policyholder informed as you submit your file. Try to make the process easy for the policyholder and the client alike- that's what gets an adjuster more claims!

If you found this page searching for information on preventing damage from winter weather, check out these weatherproofing tips from USAA.

CNC: ADJUSTING EXPECTATIONS