Are Frozen Pipes Covered by Homeowners Insurance in Michigan?
Michigan’s long, cold winters are notorious for creating conditions that can lead to frozen and burst pipes. When temperatures plummet, the water inside your home’s plumbing can freeze, expand, and put intense pressure on your pipes — often resulting in a sudden rupture and costly water damage. For many homeowners, the big question becomes: Will my insurance help pay for the damage? The short answer is that homeowners' insurance can cover damage from frozen pipes, but the coverage depends on the circumstances and your specific policy.
Most standard homeowners' insurance policies in Michigan include coverage for sudden and accidental water damage resulting from burst pipes. This means that if your pipes freeze and then suddenly burst without warning, the resulting damage to your home’s structure — like walls, ceilings, floors — and even personal property inside could be covered after you pay your deductible. Coverage can also extend to additional living expenses if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable due to the damage.
However, it’s important to understand that the insurance typically pays for the damage caused by the burst pipe, not necessarily the cost to repair or replace the pipe itself. Insurance companies generally view the actual plumbing as part of home maintenance, which is the homeowner’s responsibility. So while water damage restoration is often covered, the expense of fixing the frozen pipe or installing new plumbing parts may fall on you.
Another key factor insurers consider is whether reasonable preventive steps were taken to avoid freezing. If your policyholder agreement requires maintaining heat or winterizing your home — and you turned off your heat during a cold snap or left your home vacant without proper precautions — your claim might be denied on the basis of negligence. Insurance regulators in Michigan stress that coverage is most reliable when homeowners keep adequate heat in their homes and take basic actions to protect exposed pipes.
To make sure you’re properly protected this winter, it’s smart to review your homeowners insurance policy with your agent at Arnouts Insurance Agency. Your policy may have specific language about frozen pipe coverage, exclusions, or endorsements that affect how a claim is handled. By understanding the details ahead of time, you can take steps like insulating vulnerable pipes, sealing drafts, and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature — all of which not only help prevent costly damage, but also support your chances of a successful claim if the unexpected happens.
Winter weather in Michigan can be unpredictable, but knowing how your homeowners' insurance responds to frozen pipes gives you peace of mind and financial protection when cold temperatures hit. If you have questions about your coverage or want to explore ways to strengthen your policy, don’t hesitate to reach out — that’s exactly what your local Arnouts Insurance team is here for.