Cold temperatures, winter weather and the bustle of the holidays can open folks up to a host of new home and auto risks this time of the year. Some of the most common winter insurance claims include:

Plumbing problems

When temperatures drop below freezing, water pipes are at risk of freezing within a matter of hours. This problem can be compounded in buildings that are not climate-controlled or well-insulated. Water freezing inside of pipes can cause them to crack, which can lead to flooding and water damage when the lines thaw.

Falling trees

In wintertime, trees are vulnerable to breaking under the weight of snow or ice in addition to the usual risks of being blown down by wind or struck by lightning. Falling branches and trees can cause significant damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.

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Brittney Meredith-Miller

Brittney Meredith-Miller is assistant editor of PropertyCasualty360.com. She can be reached at [email protected].

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