Record snowfall followed by a rapid thaw has triggered a surge in emergency calls for water damage across Long Island and beyond, leaving homeowners facing potentially substantial repair bills and a complex insurance claims process. Contractors and public adjusters report a five-fold increase in call volume as burst pipes and ice dams overwhelm properties from Manhattan to Montauk.
Nick Capuano, accounting executive with Bulovas Restorations in Ronkonkoma, described his company as “slammed right now,” with a team of 40 field workers responding to damages potentially totaling “hundreds of thousands of dollars up to millions.” The immediate crisis stems from the recent cold snap and subsequent thawing, which has caused pipes to burst and ice dams to form, leading to flooded basements and other water-related damage.
The situation is exacerbating a common challenge for homeowners: navigating insurance claims related to water damage. While homeowner’s policies generally cover damage from burst pipes and ice dams, the process is often fraught with complications. Loretta L. Worters, vice president of media relations at the Insurance Information Institute, confirmed that “busted pipes are covered under your homeowner’s policy, as well as ice dams.” Coverage typically extends to damage to walls, floors, ceilings, personal property, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and mold remediation, as well as the cost of accessing the damaged pipe.
However, insurers frequently scrutinize claims, and outright denials are not uncommon. A key point of contention revolves around the concept of negligence. According to Kevin Shakil, president of Tekbytes Insurance Brokerage, homeowners who fail to maintain adequate heat, address known leaks, replace aging pipes, or insulate vulnerable plumbing can be deemed negligent, leading to claim rejection. “People are trying to save maybe $30, $40 in heating costs, but god forbid you have to file a claim… you could be looking at thousands of dollars in repairs,” Shakil cautioned.
The financial implications for homeowners can be significant. Anthony DeLorenzo, senior public adjuster with United Public Adjusters &. Appraisers Inc. In Melville, noted that repair costs can range from as little as $500 for minor issues caught early to tens of thousands of dollars – or even more – depending on the extent of the damage, the property type, and the duration of the problem. Capuano added that a small amount of water damage in a basement might require around $3,000 in repairs, while a more extensive flood on an upper level could easily reach six figures.
Nationwide, damage caused by burst pipes and overall water damage costs homeowners approximately $13 billion annually, with the average repair bill around $11,000, according to Worters. This underscores the substantial financial risk associated with winter weather and the importance of proactive prevention.
Preventative measures include maintaining a thermostat setting of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit, particularly during cold snaps, and ensuring that pipes are adequately insulated. Addressing leaks promptly is also crucial. Ice dams, formed by a combination of heavy snow, thawing and freezing cycles, and inadequate attic insulation or ventilation, can be mitigated by ensuring proper insulation and ventilation, as well as keeping gutters clear of debris.
The current surge in claims highlights a critical loophole in many homeowner’s policies. As detailed in reports, insurers often classify damage caused by ice dams not as a direct result of the ice itself, but as water intrusion or a maintenance issue. This distinction allows them to argue that the damage stems from inadequate insulation, poor ventilation, or clogged gutters – conditions considered preventable or related to homeowner upkeep – rather than a covered peril. This reclassification can significantly reduce or eliminate coverage, leaving homeowners responsible for substantial repair costs.
The situation underscores the importance of homeowners understanding the nuances of their insurance policies and taking proactive steps to protect their properties from winter-related damage. While insurance coverage is generally available for burst pipes and ice dams, navigating the claims process requires diligence and awareness of potential pitfalls. The current crisis serves as a stark reminder of the financial vulnerability homeowners face during periods of extreme weather and the need for both preventative measures and a thorough understanding of insurance coverage.
