A Colorado home insurance policy generally covers damage from frozen pipes, as long as the pipe burst is sudden and accidental and you took all reasonable precautions to avoid it. The cost of repairing the actual pipe may be covered, as well.
Given that Colorado winters are cold, with temps regularly dipping below freezing, having adequate insurance coverage for frozen pipes is crucial. Claims are most often denied when insurers determine the homeowner didn't take reasonable precautions, such as maintaining heat or insulating exposed pipes, so understanding what counts as "reasonable" matters as much as knowing what's covered.
What does homeowners insurance cover for frozen pipe damage in Colorado?
Your homeowners insurance policy isn't one single type of coverage — it's broken into several parts, each covering a different type of loss. When a frozen pipe bursts, the damage often reaches your home's structure, your belongings, and even your ability to live in your home while it's repaired, so a single claim can draw from more than one part of your policy. Here's what each part typically covers:
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Type of coverage |
What is typically covered |
What is typically excluded |
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Water damage to the structure of your home, such as the flooring, walls, ceiling, appliances, and cabinetry |
Unrelated surrounding plumbing, damage from a leaking pipe in a vacant home, damage caused by normal wear and tear |
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Water damage to detached structures on your property, such as a detached garage, shed, or fence |
Structures used for business purposes |
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Water damage to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and decor |
High-value items that exceed the policy limit, business property |
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Some living expenses if you must temporarily vacate your home due to covered damage, such as hotels and additional food and transportation costs |
Routine expenses, such as mortgage and utility payments |
Pro tip: The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment advises tossing perishables after four-plus hours without power. If the outage was caused by a covered incident, it's worth checking your policy — some insurers reimburse food spoilage losses, up to a set dollar limit.
When a frozen pipe claim can be denied in Colorado
Homeowners insurance covers damage from frozen pipes when the burst is sudden and accidental — and if you’ve taken all reasonable precautions to prevent it from happening. Claims can be denied in certain scenarios, including:
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Negligence: If you intentionally shut off your heat or leave your home vacant during the winter without properly winterizing your plumbing, insurers will typically deny your claim. At a minimum, experts advise setting your thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.
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Maintenance issues: Failure to replace old or corroded pipes or insulate vulnerable pipes in unheated spaces (such as in the garage, a crawlspace, or an exterior wall) may result in a denied claim.
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Gradual damage: Claims for ongoing slow leaks that cause damage over weeks or months might be denied, especially if there are obvious signs of pre-existing damage or issues.
Frozen pipes vs. water backup
Standard homeowners insurance covers water damage from a frozen pipe, but it’s a whole different ball game if the water damage is caused by a failed sump pump or snowmelt that causes your sewer or drain to back up.
To file a claim for failed sump pumps and sewer and drain backups, you’ll need to carry water backup coverage. This optional add-on (called an endorsement in the industry) costs extra but can be a crucial addition before snow starts to melt in the spring.
Is flooding covered by home insurance?
Damage caused by floodwater from melting snow or heavy rain is never covered by homeowners insurance. You’ll need Colorado flood insurance — either as a separate policy or an endorsement to your home insurance — from a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program to be covered.
Pro tip: Adding flood insurance or a water backup endorsement to your policy will increase the cost of homeowners insurance in Colorado, but the investment can save you thousands of dollars in the event of claimable damage.
How much does it cost to replace frozen pipes?
The average cost of burst pipe repair is typically a few hundred dollars but can run into the thousands depending on pipe type and location, according to home services company Angi. Your costs can increase significantly if you need to call an emergency plumber after hours.
Water damage repairs also vary widely. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average water damage and freezing claim runs about $15,400.
If the damage was sudden, accidental, and covered, a standard home insurance policy typically helps pay for:
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Repairs to floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry
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Replacement of the pipe
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Repair or replacement of damaged appliances and furniture
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Water cleanup and mold remediation, if the mold resulted directly from the pipe burst
How to prevent frozen pipes in Colorado
There are several steps you can take to protect your pipes and reduce the likelihood that you’ll need to file a claim in the future.
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Insulate your pipes: Before the next Colorado winter strikes, hire a plumber to insulate vulnerable pipes, including those in unheated spaces such as exterior walls, attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
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Keep the heat on: During the winter, keep your house at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you’re not home.
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Let faucets drip when temps plummet: Moving water doesn’t freeze as easily as stagnant water. By letting your faucets drip ever so slightly, you reduce the likelihood of the water freezing.
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Open cabinet doors: Open any cabinet doors that hide plumbing, such as those in your kitchen and bathroom. This exposes the pipes to heated air, reducing the risk of freezing.
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Shut off exterior water sources: Each fall, turn off the water to any exterior spigots. Disconnect any garden hoses and drain them.
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Prepare your pool ahead of winter: If you have a pool, make sure it's been properly winterized — with the water level lowered and the plumbing lines blown out and treated with antifreeze — before freezing temperatures hit.
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Know where the main shutoff is: If a pipe suddenly bursts, every second counts to minimize damage. Make sure you know exactly where your home’s main water shutoff valve is — and how to turn it off.
What to do if a pipe bursts in Colorado
If your pipe suddenly bursts, here’s what to do:
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Shut off the water. Before you do anything else, stop the water flow to limit damage. If possible, turn off the water to the affected plumbing line using the nearest shutoff valve. Otherwise, shut off the home's main water supply.
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Document the damage. Take photos and videos to document the damage before you start any cleanup.
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Prevent further damage. Once you’ve thoroughly documented the damage, start making temporary repairs, soaking up the water, and drying everything out. Run fans and dehumidifiers to assist the drying process and prevent mold growth. Save any receipts for temporary repairs, as your insurer might reimburse you.
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Submit your claim. You’ll want to file a home insurance claim as soon as possible and include all the documentation you gathered. Submitting an incomplete claim, such as one with missing documentation, could delay your payout. Speak with your agent about next steps for repairs.
If you have any questions about the claims process, contact your insurance company or the Colorado Division of Insurance’s Consumer Services Team for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Can you claim frozen pipes on homeowners insurance?
You can file a homeowners insurance claim for water damage caused by frozen pipes, as long as the damage was caused by an accidental, sudden pipe burst that wasn’t preventable.
What are three things that are not covered by homeowners insurance?
Flood damage, normal wear and tear or neglected maintenance, and earth movement are three common homeowners insurance exclusions. For instance, water damage from a burst pipe is covered by standard insurance. Water damage resulting from rising water that seeps in from outside the home, such as from melting snow or heavy rain, is not covered unless you have flood insurance.
How much does it cost to replace frozen pipes?
According to data from Angi, it costs $500 to replace a frozen pipe, though typical costs range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the size, type, and location of the pipe. As a homeowner, you’re likely responsible for covering the cost of these repairs. That’s because insurance treats this as a maintenance issue. However, home insurance typically covers water damage resulting from a burst pipe.
Who is responsible for protecting pipes from freezing?
The homeowner is responsible for protecting pipes from freezing. This includes tasks such as insulating pipes in unheated areas of the home and keeping the home at an appropriate temperature during the winter. If you don’t take these precautions, your insurance company could decline a claim for water damage from a burst pipe.
