Each can become a large concern for destructive water and structural damage.

From August 2022 to August 2023, State Farm paid out over $806 million for over 32,000 claims from frozen pipe and water damage. Claims averaged $25K. During that same time from 2021 to 2022, State Farm paid $181M for only approximately 9,000 claims.

Georgia was the #1 state for frozen pipe losses with $100 million in claim costs. This was followed by Illinois $78.3M, Tennessee $61.9M, Texas $58.1M, New York $45M, Ohio $37.5M, Pennsylvania $30.7M, Missouri $27.5M, Arkansas $24.4M and Colorado $23.8M rounding out the top 10. 

Due to the annual variability of wild to mild weather patterns, frozen pipe and ice dam losses can vary each year. No two years are the same and are often significantly different.  When weather patterns drastically fluctuate and impact areas that are not used to sudden temperature drops, the result can be catastrophic.

Pipes that freeze and then subsequently burst can cause damage far beyond what the average policyholder imagines. Frozen pipe and ice dam damage can destroy drywall, roofs, foundations, floors, toilets, electrical systems, and personal items. Repairs can take weeks or months to complete.

Tips to help prevent pipes from freezing:

The three central causes of frozen pipes are quick drops in temperature, poor insulation and thermostats set too low. You can prepare your home during the warmer months.

• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
• Use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables to wrap on your pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior).
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• Disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
• Let warm water drip overnight. A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Keep your thermostat set above 55 degrees, even when on vacation or extended periods away from home.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

What do to if pipes freeze:

Pipes don't always burst when frozen. A few things to keep in mind if they do:

• Call a plumber if needed. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and contact your plumber.
• Avoid applying flames to thaw pipes. Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard.
• Consider a hair dryer as a possible heat source (with caution). You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe using a hair dryer. Before you start, see that you are not in or near standing water or near flammable materials. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• Shut off the water supply. If your water leak detection system has already gone off or your pipes have burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house. See that everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Be sure to leave the water faucets turned on.

Ice Dam Prevention DOs and DON'Ts:

When the temperature in your attic is above freezing, snow on the roof will likely melt. When the snowmelt runs down the roof and hits the colder eaves, it refreezes. If this cycle repeats over several days, the freezing snowmelt builds up and forms an ice dam, behind which water pools into large puddles, or "ponds". The ponding water can then back up under the roof covering and leak into the attic or along exterior walls. The right weather conditions for ice dams are usually when outside air temperatures are in the low 20s (°F) for several days with several inches of snow on the roof.

DO:

• Be sure that insulation in the attic space is adequate for your location.
• Verify soffit and roof or ridge venting exists for all roof planes and that soffit vents are neither blocked by attic insulation nor covered by roofing finishes.
• Verify all penetrations, access panels and electrical fixtures are properly sealed and insulated to prevent heat and moisture from entering the attic space, while maintaining manufacturer's required clearances.
• Verify all exhaust fans and dryer vents are discharged to the outside.
• Keep gutters clean of leaves and other debris. This will not necessarily prevent ice dams, but clean gutters can help drain away ice melt as it makes its way to the gutters during a thaw.
• Follow up a short-term ice dam remedy with determining and fixing the actual cause to your ice dam problem. Consult a trusted and competent professional.

DON’T

While it might be tempting to try a quick fix to break up that ice dam and chip away, don't get too eager. Not only is it dangerous on your roof, but you can also cause a lot of shingle damage, especially in the colder months.

• Install large mechanical equipment or water heaters in attics, especially in cold climates. Not only do they present an unwelcome fire hazard, but they'll also increase the temperature in your attic.
• Routinely use salt or calcium chloride to melt snow on a roof. These chemicals are very corrosive and can shorten the life of metal gutters, downspouts, and flashings. Runoff that contains high concentrations of these chemicals can damage nearby grass and plants.

That is a sentence many people probably heard their mothers and fathers say growing up thinking it was just an “old tale”. Unfortunately in February of 2021, many of us learned those words were true. So. Very. True.

Pipes that freeze and then subsequently burst can cause damage far beyond what the average policyholder imagines. Frozen pipes can damage drywall, foundations, floors, toilets, electrical systems, and personal items. Not to mention that repairs can take weeks or months to finish.

In 2021, State Farm® paid more than $472 million in damages to policyholders just from frozen pipes claims. That total is nearly eight times more than the amount paid in 2020.

The winter storm in February 2021 increased frozen pipe claims across the country, moving Texas to the number one spot that Illinois held the past two years.

Most of the time, frozen pipes are preventable through a few simple steps. Two tips, two minutes is all it takes:

1. Leave cabinet doors open.
2. Let the faucets drip.

Keeping cabinet doors open allows for airflow from the room to help keep pipes warm. In addition, opening a faucet to allow a slow drip, keeps warmer water flowing through the pipes. Moving water is more difficult to freeze. Additionally, an open faucet will act as a release, helping prevent the pressure from building up inside the pipe, which leads it to burst.

In 2019, State Farm paid more than $200 million for over 11,000 homeowners* claims related to frozen pipes across the U.S. Illinois ranks as the #1 state for frozen pipe losses. (*Note: excludes renters and condo unit claims)

“Damage resulting from frozen pipes is the most common winter loss claim,” says State Farm Loss Mitigation Administrator Jeff Feid. “The good news is that most of the time it can be prevented through a few simple steps.”

Click on the numbers in the interactive image below for simple maintenance tips to help prevent property damage.

2,700 miles from home. A highway slathered in snow and ice. The temperature far below freezing.

As 81-year-old Bill Briggs braced the steering wheel, he knew this Alaskan drive would be difficult. But he was determined to get his granddaughter Ellen and her trusty pooch Annie home for the holidays.

“My granddaughter finished a medical internship in Alaska this past December,” said Bill. “I didn’t want her traveling alone in these conditions.  I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I’m used to slicker than slick.”

But as the trio began their trek on the Alcan Highway, Bill and his crew found themselves in a terrifying situation.

“I was about 70 miles out, with poor visibility,” Bill explained. “Before I knew it, the road curved – and my back tire caught the shoulder of the highway.”

In a matter of seconds, Bill’s SUV turned into an erratic Tilt-A-Whirl, spinning out of control, eight feet down an embankment and into the path of an unforgiving tree.

The family closed their eyes. Ellen clutched Annie--bracing for the impact.

And then there was silence.

“I saw it happen”

On that Saturday morning State Farm agent Glenn Marlin found himself driving behind a mid-sized SUV. “It was snowing so hard I could not see the license plate," said Glenn. But I remember thinking, ‘I bet this driver isn’t from around here...’”

Minutes later, the State Farm agent watched in horror as the SUV spiraled off the road and out of sight. “I thought they rolled it,” said Glenn. “I immediately pulled over and ran to the scene.”

A Close Call

Peering over the embankment, Glenn saw the vehicle had skidded to a halt. “I ran down and helped the family out of their SUV,” he said. “Thankfully everyone was okay - but the vehicle wasn’t. It had two flat tires, and there was no way to get it out of that hole.”

Glenn dialed roadside assistance, and helped the family with their claim. "The hardest part was explaining where we were,” he said. “We were on the outskirts of town and not many cars pass this way. It took about three hours for the wrecker to arrive."

"I'm so glad Glenn was there," said Ellen. "It was freezing, and Grandpa and I would have been all by ourselves. Not to mention my dog Annie was scared to death.”

As the sun began to set – Glenn waited with the family, inviting them to hunker down in his truck until help arrived. Over hot coffee and conversation, the group talked, reminisced and even shared a few laughs.

“It’s a real nice thing he did,” said Bill. “When you’re facing a frigid situation alone – it means so much when someone stops to lend a hand.”

“Bill was great,” added Glenn. “After 80 plus years, he has terrific stories.  I wish we lived closer.”

Later that afternoon the tow-truck arrived. Glenn and the family exchanged information, wished each other well and parted ways.

“I never expected my Saturday to go like that,” said Glenn. “And you know what? It was 100 percent worth it to help this family.”

A Time to Reflect

In hindsight, Bill says there’s much to be thankful for on that fateful day. He and his family were not hurt, their SUV would get repaired, and he was also reminded of this age-old lesson:

A random act of kindness goes a long way.

“What are the chances it would be Glenn who stopped?” Bill smiled. “He was knowledgeable, accommodating and above all else, this stranger – is now a friend.”

“I’m here to help,” added Glenn. “And I’m happy to do it. Pay it forward for others – and let the cycle of kindness continue.”

Click on the + in the interactive image below for more on the impact of "random acts of kindness."

Top five states for frozen pipe water loss claims:

• Illinois
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas

In the News:

• WGLT (Bloomington, IL): How To Avoid Frozen Pipes When Temperatures Plunge (01/29/19)

Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, and SAFE holiday season!

Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, SAFE holiday season!

On the Road

Check out this short video with tips to prepare your car for winter:

Make sure you have an emergency kit in the trunk of your car. Inventory your items and make sure everything is still working well. For example, check flashlight batteries and expiration dates on food and/or medications. Here is a suggested list of things to include in your emergency kit:

• Flash light
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Small folding shovel
• Tow and tire chains
• Basic tool kit
• Bag of road salt or cat litter
• Windshield wiper fluid
• Antifreeze
• Warning flares
• Prepare to stay warm. Keep layers in your car, and make sure you have a large, water-resistant coat that can fit over several layers of clothing. You will also want a pair of waterproof boots that will fit over several pairs of socks.

When a storm hits, stay off the road if possible. If you must drive, reduce your speed and be sure to allow extra time for braking. Never use cruise control on icy roads, and stay calm if you begin to skid.

An important reminder: never warm up your vehicle in a closed garage!

Snow Shoveling Safety

Wear the right clothes.

• Breathable layers: Stick to cotton and silk over heavy wools.

• Waterproof boots with good traction

• Thick, warm socks

• Head covering to prevent loss of body heat

• Mittens or gloves to protect your hands

• Sunscreen and lip balm to protect exposed skin

Stretch.

• It warms up your body and may prevent muscle strains.

Use proper form.

• Push—don’t lift—snow.

• Squat down with your legs apart, back up straight and heels grounded

• Never throw snow to the side or behind you

Get outside as soon as you can.

• Fresh, powdery snow is easier to clear than wet, compact snow.

• Shovel after every few inches of accumulation.

Work slowly and take breaks.

Shoveling snow is exercise: It raises your heart rate and blood pressure. 

• Pause every now and then to prevent exhaustion. Take time to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

If you have a medical condition or don’t exercise regularly, consult with your doctor before shoveling snow or using a snowblower.

Parking Lot Safety

Regardless of the weather, parking lots are busy this time of year and there is increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Please keep these tips in mind:

• Use identified travel lanes and watch out for others cutting across lanes.
• Slow down and watch out for cars backing up.
• Watch for pedestrians.
• Park away from other vehicles to help avoid door dings.
• Store purchases, packages, and valuables out of sight.
• Always lock your vehicle and take your keys.

At Home

Prepare your home in advance of a winter storm.

• Have your furnace serviced to make sure it’s in shape for severe weather.
• Consider buying a generator in case you lose power, Generac^® provides an exclusive offer to State Farm^® customers when they purchase an automatic standby generator. Generators are also handy for other weather emergencies, like hurricanes and high-wind events. Remember: never use a generator indoors.
• Keep the pantry stocked with nonperishable groceries and extra water.
• Prepare emergency kits. Keep one emergency kit in your home and one in each family member's vehicle. Use the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Supply list to help create your kit.

More tips to help keep your home safe.

Candles:

• Keep candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface and at least one foot away in all directions from combustible items.
• Don’t leave candles unattended or within reach of children and pets.
• Don’t allow candles to burn to the bottom of their container.
• Try using “flameless” candles instead.

Lights:

• Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Lights for both indoor and outdoor usage must meet the testing laboratories' strict and verified standards.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections.
• Check outdoor lights for labels showing the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.

Selecting and using extension cords:

• Purchase only cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
• For outdoor projects, use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.
• Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord.
• Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.
• Don’t plug multiple cords together.
• Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture and never use staples or nails to secure them.
• Stop using extension cords that feel hot to the touch.

Cooking Safety Tips:

• The leading cause of fire in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time.
• Never throw water on a kitchen fire.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms.