Winter Insurance Tips Every Michigan Homeowner Should Know

Michigan winters are beautiful, but they can also be tough on homes. Snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and ice are all part of life here, and they can lead to unexpected (and expensive) damage if you’re not prepared.

A little prevention and a clear understanding of your insurance coverage can go a long way. Here are some winter insurance tips every Michigan homeowner should know to stay protected all season long.

Common Winter Risks for Michigan Homes

Winter brings a few risks that show up year after year in Michigan insurance claims:

• Frozen or burst pipes
• Ice dams on roofs
• Slip-and-fall injuries on icy walkways
• Damage from heavy snow accumulation
• Space heater or fireplace-related incidents

Many of these issues are preventable and knowing what your homeowners insurance does (and doesn’t) cover can help you avoid surprises.

What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers in Winter

Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Michigan may cover winter-related damage such as:

• Burst pipes caused by freezing temperatures
• Roof damage from the weight of snow or ice
• Interior water damage resulting from sudden pipe breaks
• Liability claims if someone slips and falls on your property

Coverage depends on the specific policy and whether reasonable maintenance was done, which is why understanding your policy details matters.

What’s Usually Not Covered

This is where confusion often happens. Homeowners insurance usually does not cover:

• Damage from neglect or lack of maintenance
• Freezing losses if heat is not maintained or pipes drained
• Slow leaks that were ignored
• Ice dam damage if it resulted from poor roof upkeep
• Flooding from melting snow (this often requires separate flood insurance)

If an insurance company determines that damage could have been prevented with basic care, a claim may be denied.

Simple Steps to Prevent Winter Claims

A few proactive steps can help protect your home and reduce the chance of a claim:

• Set Minimum Temperatures: Never set your thermostat lower than 55°F (13°C), even when away, to prevent interior walls from freezing.
• Insulate exposed pipes and seal drafts
• Remove all garden hoses and drain exterior spigots.
• Clear snow from roofs when safe to do so
• Keep gutters clear before winter starts
• Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended
• Never use a gas oven or grill to heat your home, as this creates a deadly risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Shovel and salt walkways to reduce slip hazards

These small actions can save you from major headaches later.

When to Review Your Policy

Winter is a great time to review your homeowners policy especially if:

• You’ve made home upgrades or renovations
• You bought new valuables
• Your mortgage or home value changed
• You’re not sure what your deductible is

A quick review can help ensure your coverage still fits your needs and gives you peace of mind through the rest of winter. Michigan winters are unpredictable, but your insurance coverage shouldn’t be. If you’re unsure what your policy covers or just want a second set of eyes, a quick conversation now can prevent big surprises later.