Is a broken boiler caused by frozen pipes covered by homeowners insurance

My boiler burst this winter during one of the cold freezes. I had my plumber fix all the burst pipes and when he repaired the pipe to the boiler water supply he discovered oil boiler had developed cracks on it and the boiler was spewing water onto the floor.

It is a multi family home (3 units) and my policy is Sagesure which is sold thru Geico.

Is this covered by homeowners insurance?



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It could be. The standard homeowners policy has this to say about freezing:

SECTION I – PERILS INSURED AGAINST
A. Coverage A – Dwelling And Coverage B – Other Structures
1. We insure against risk of direct physical loss to property described in Coverages A and B.
2. We do not insure, however, for loss:
c. Caused by:
(1) Freezing of a plumbing, heating, air conditioning or automatic fire protective sprinkler system or of a household appliance, or by discharge, leakage or overflow from within the system or appliance caused by freezing. This provision does not apply if you have used reasonable care to:
(a) Maintain heat in the building; or
(b) Shut off the water supply and drain all systems and appliances of water.

I don't know what your policy says. Find that section and read it.

If it says the same and you complied with (a) or (b) you should have coverage. That, of course, assumes that the boiler cracks were caused by the freeze and not something else like age or deterioration.

Also check your policy for Equipment Breakdown Coverage. It's a rare option but some insurance companies include it or offer it.

If you can't say for sure, file the claim and the company will inspect the boiler and make a decision.

If you have a home warranty you might also check for any coverage it provides.

As above, your homeowner's insurance coverage depends on the language of your policy. You will have to read your policy or obtain a copy from your insurer.

The best way to find out is to make the claim. If they say no, then read the fine print of your policy to make sure.

Thanks guys I'll get in touch with my insurance company.


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Just wanted to follow up on this post. I filed a claim with my insurance company and I am covered because the boiler was winterized by a plumber and thankfully I scanned those receipts.

I will be receiving money covering both the boiler replacement and for water damage to the basement (sheetrock, tile, cabinets).

I received an actual cash value (ACV) less deductible (DED). Once I have the work done and I provide receipts to the insurance company, I will receive the Total recoverable depreciation (TCD) (up to the amount I spend on the replacement and repairs).

The math is Replacement Cost Value (RCV) = ACV + DED + TCD.

I am going to replace my oil boiler with a gas boiler. I'll call the insurance company and see if this is covered by the policy.

Thanks.



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branimal said:

thankfully I scanned those receipts.

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Good practice. I suggest you do it contemporaneously for every document (financial or otherwise) that you generate, keep it on the computer and back everything up to a separate drive.

branimal said:

I am going to replace my oil boiler with a gas boiler. I'll call the insurance company and see if this is covered by the policy.

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There will be no objection but no additional money if the gas boiler costs more than the oil boiler.

A possible exception to that is if current building codes require gas boilers and prohibit the installation of oil boilers.