Nationwide, Allied Insurance Warn About Increased Risks for Homeowners During Winter Months

Simple Safety Steps Can Prevent Millions of Dollars in Frozen Pipe Damage

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A much colder winter this year predicted by The Old Farmer’s Almanac threatens to cause even more frozen pipe damage to homes than last year unless homeowners fight back the cold with simple steps to protect homes.

“Ruptured pipes in winter are one of the most common claims and the onslaught of a predicted colder winter will no doubt make it a tough season for homeowners unless they take preventative action to protect their homes”

According to claims data compiled by Nationwide and Allied Insurance, the average frozen pipe insurance claim tops more than $10,000. In just three years -- 2009-2011 -- Nationwide and Allied received more than 30,000 homeowners’ frozen pipes claims from across the country totaling more than $2.1 million. The top states for frozen pipes claims were Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, New York and Maryland.

“Ruptured pipes in winter are one of the most common claims and the onslaught of a predicted colder winter will no doubt make it a tough season for homeowners unless they take preventative action to protect their homes,” said Pete Lore, Nationwide associate vice president of claims. “We urge homeowners to take action and avoid frustration caused by frozen pipe water damage, especially those traveling away from home for significant periods of time.”

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) research shows that frozen pipes are one of the most costly sources of damage during freezing weather. When water freezes, it can cause pipes to burst and result in significant water damage. While the average insurance claim includes several pipes, IBHS research found that just a single burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage.

Nationwide and Allied will closely monitor winter weather across the country and are urging customers to take steps now to prevent potential damage.

Helpful Tips for Winter

Freezing pipes

Frozen water can cause pressure buildup leading to pipes bursting. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing, where holes in the home’s outside wall for television, cable or telephone lines allow cold air to reach them. Each situation is unique, and may require a different approach, but here are a few general tips you may want to consider to try to keep water in pipes from freezing:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Another option is to drain the water system, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.
• Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer, often times the more insulation the better.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.

For more tips and demonstrations, view our winter weather infographic: http://www.nationwide.com/frozen-pipes-prevention-tips.jsp

About Allied

Allied Insurance is a property and casualty insurer established in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1929. Allied operates in 33 states through a network of independent agents with regional offices in Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA; Lincoln, NE; Gainesville, FL; and Sacramento, CA. Allied has been a member of the Nationwide family of companies since 1998, and is responsible for Nationwide’s independent agency system. Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the country’s largest multi-line insurers and financial services organizations. Information is available at www.alliedinsurance.com.

About Nationwide

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. The company provides customers a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.