Cold temperatures, winter weather and the bustle of the holidays can open folks up to a host of new home and auto risks this time of the year. Some of the most common winter insurance claims include:

Plumbing problems

When temperatures drop below freezing, water pipes are at risk of freezing within a matter of hours. This problem can be compounded in buildings that are not climate-controlled or well-insulated. Water freezing inside of pipes can cause them to crack, which can lead to flooding and water damage when the lines thaw.

Falling trees

In wintertime, trees are vulnerable to breaking under the weight of snow or ice in addition to the usual risks of being blown down by wind or struck by lightning. Falling branches and trees can cause significant damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.

House fires

Residential fires are most common during the winter months as people break out holiday lighting and greenery. Increased use of fireplaces in winter months also amps up the risk of fire.

Collisions at intersections

Slick, icy roads can make it significantly harder for vehicles to stop at intersections. Winter weather can also decrease visibility to the point where drivers may not even be able to see stop signs or traffic signals until it is too late to safely brake, which can lead to collisions.

Struck pedestrians

Winter conditions and holiday celebrations can create circumstances that leave pedestrians vulnerable to being hit by drivers. Common winter-time causes for these accidents include weather-related reduced visibility, drunk driving and night blindness.

In the slideshow above, we’ll look at ways to halt common winter insurance claims before they happen, courtesy of David Pope Insurance.

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