Make Sure Your Home and Auto Policies are Sufficient for Winter

October 28, 2025

With fall here and the temperatures getting colder, there are things you should consider to ensure your home and auto are protected throughout the winter months. Worgess Insurance offers you several suggestions to consider to ensure you don’t have any issues this winter.

Home Insurance Considerations for Winter

Frozen Pipes Coverage

  • Burst pipes are one of the most common winter claims.
  • During extreme cold periods, it may be beneficial to keep faucets running at a slow trickle to keep ice from forming in your pipes.

Roof and Ice Dam Protection

  • Ice dams can cause interior leaks and roof damage.
  • You want to make sure your gutters are clean to facilitate the flow of water away from your home.

Snow Load and Collapse

  • Excess snow buildup can lead to roof or structure collapse.
  • Stay on top of it as much as possible – invest in a good roof rake to remove snow from your roof.

Power Outages and Sump Pump Failure

  • If winter storms cause a power outage leading to basement flooding or food spoilage, see if your policy includes backup of water/sewer or refrigerated goods coverage.

Heating Systems and Fire Risk

  • Space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves increase fire risk.
  • Make sure your fire coverage is comprehensive, and keep documentation of recent chimney or furnace maintenance in case of a claim.

Liability for Snow and Ice

  • If someone slips on your icy sidewalk or driveway, you could be liable.
  • Make sure to do your due diligence in making sure any walking surfaces are cleared and put down de-icer to fight against slippery surfaces.

Auto Insurance Considerations for Winter

Comprehensive Coverage

  • Ensure your coverage will protect you in the case of non-collision events such as falling ice, hail, or damage from hitting a deer – all more common in winter.

Collision Coverage

  • Winter driving increases accident risks from slippery roads.
  • If you dropped collision on an older vehicle, reconsider whether that still makes sense during icy months.

Roadside Assistance

  • Towing, jump-starts, and lockout services are invaluable in freezing weather.
  • Many insurers offer this as an inexpensive add-on.

Rental Car Reimbursement

  • If an accident takes your car off the road for repairs, this coverage can help keep you mobile – particularly important if repair shops are backed up in winter.

Tire and Windshield Coverage

  • Cracked windshields from salt and gravel, or damage from potholes, are common in cold months.
  • Check if your comprehensive policy or specific glass coverage applies without a deductible.

Winter Equipment Discounts

  • Some insurers offer discounts for vehicles equipped with winter tires or four-wheel drive – worth checking into.

Parking and Storage

  • If you park on the street, make sure your comprehensive policy covers damage from plows or falling tree branches.
  • If you store a car for the winter, talk to your agent about reducing coverage to comprehensive-only while it’s off the road.

With these tips in mind, you can rest assured to have a safe winter season. If you’d like to review your policies in time for winter, please contact us.