Each winter looks a little different depending on where you live — but the risks are often the same. Freezing pipes, slippery sidewalks, power outages and travel delays can all disrupt your daily routine. The good news? A little preparation (and the right coverage) goes a long way toward keeping your season safe and stress-free
Your home: Freezing pipes, ice dams and more
Protect where your life happens
Winter puts your home to the test. When temperatures drop, pipes can freeze, roofs can ice over and heating systems work overtime. These challenges are more than inconvenient — they can lead to costly damage or liability if left unchecked. Across the U.S., frozen pipes and ice dams are among the most common winter-related claims, and space heater or chimney fires increase every year when homeowners turn to alternative heat sources for comfort.1
The good news? A few simple steps can help you avoid major repairs and strengthen your protection long before the snow falls.
Key risks to address
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Ice dams on roofs
- Space heater or chimney fires
- Slips and falls on icy walkways
Tips to prepare
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas like attics, basements and crawl spaces
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear to prevent water backup and roof damage
- Check fire coverage for alternative heat sources such as space heaters or wood stoves
- Review liability coverage in case a guest or delivery driver is injured on your property
For homeowners in high-risk regions — particularly those prone to extreme weather swings — insurance costs are rising. In fact, homeowners’ insurance premiums are projected to increase by 15% in high-risk areas this year.2 Reviewing your coverage now can help ensure you’re not underinsured when the next cold snap hits.
Can you weather the next storm?
Review your coverage, explore options and ensure your policies are ready for anything.
Find an AgencyYour car: Accidents, breakdowns and unexpected costs
Drive with confidence this winter
Even the most experienced drivers face new challenges when temperatures drop. Snow, sleet and ice create slippery conditions that increase the likelihood of fender benders and roadside emergencies. Dead batteries, frozen wipers and low tire pressure are common culprits — and minor issues can quickly turn into significant expenses without the right protection. According to national crash data, wet pavement contributes to about 15% of vehicle accidents, while snow and sleet are factors in roughly 4%.3
The right preparation — and the right coverage — can help you keep moving safely, no matter what winter brings.
Key risks to consider
- Slippery roads and increased accident risk
- Dead batteries or cold-weather breakdowns
- Costly repairs or towing expenses
Tips to prepare
- Review your auto policy to confirm that collision and comprehensive coverage are current
- Add or verify roadside assistance in case of battery failure or breakdowns
- Check your tire pressure, antifreeze and wiper blades before long drives
- Keep an emergency kit with blankets, jumper cables and non-perishable snacks in your vehicle
According to national crash data, wet pavement contributes to about 15% of vehicle accidents, while snow and sleet are factors in roughly 4%.3
Winter weather doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks. A quick policy review can help you stay protected against unexpected repair costs and travel disruptions. As always, your local Highstreet advisor can walk you through your options — so you can drive confidently, knowing you’re covered wherever the road leads.
Your business: Weather delays and liability exposure
Winter storms can do more than disrupt a day — they can shut down operations, delay shipments and create costly liabilities for small and midsize businesses. From icy walkways to burst pipes and power outages, seasonal challenges can lead to both property damage and income loss. Even unseasonably warm winters can bring setbacks for industries that rely on seasonal traffic. In fact, an unusually warm winter in 2024 led to roughly $8 million in economic losses across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa, driven by declines in winter tourism and local business activity.4
Preparing now can help your business weather any forecast.
Key risks to address
- Slips and falls on snowy sidewalks or icy entrances
- Inventory or equipment damage from burst pipes or roof leaks
- Loss of income during weather-related closures
- Power failures or remote work disruptions
Tips to prepare
- Review your general liability and commercial property coverage for winter-related exclusions
- Ask your agent about business interruption coverage to offset income losses during closures
- Inspect roofs, insulation and plumbing systems before freezing temperatures arrive
You can’t always avoid severe weather — but you can reduce its financial impact. A short coverage review can ensure you’re ready for every cold front and confident that your employees, property and income are well protected.
Additional risks: Are you thinking about the big picture?
One season, many scenarios
Winter doesn’t just impact your property — it affects how you travel, host guests and even store recreational vehicles. Many families face increased risks during the holidays, from delayed flights to short-term rental liabilities. Travelers should prepare for disruptions: nearly 25% of flights were delayed in early 2025, and some airports see particularly high cancellation rates.5 The right travel coverage can offset these costs and keep your plans on track.6
Flying for the holidays?
Avoid peak delays when flying. The airports with the highest percentages of delayed flights in early 2025 included:
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Memphis International Airport (MEM)7
For homeowners and small business owners alike, thinking beyond the obvious helps reduce stress and surprise expenses when the weather turns.
Other winter-related risks to consider
- Travel cancellations or delays — travel insurance can reimburse nonrefundable costs
- Home-sharing or rental liability for holiday guests or short-term stays
- Snowmobile, ATV or boat storage issues — review off-season coverage for recreational vehicles
- Power outages and generator safety — check for equipment-related damage protection
- Remote work or home business risks — confirm your policy covers home-based operations
Planning means you’re ready for more than just a storm — you’re ready for peace of mind, wherever the season takes you.
Confidence is the best way to face the cold
Whether you’re heating your home, clearing sidewalks or managing a seasonal business uptick, winter doesn’t have to mean worry. The right protection helps you handle what’s ahead — from frozen pipes to travel delays — with confidence and clarity. By reviewing your policies before the next storm hits, you’re setting yourself up for a season of calm, not chaos.
At Highstreet Insurance Partners, we combine national strength with local expertise to help you prepare for the unexpected. Wherever winter finds you, we’re here to keep life moving forward — together.
Connect with your local Highstreet advisor today — and stay protected, no matter what winter brings.
Tip: Ask if your insurer offers advance payments on covered losses.
Sources:
- DGK Insurance (2025). Preparing Your Business for Winter Risks; Hollinger Insurance Services (2025). How Businesses Can Prepare for Winter Weather Risks with Commercial Insurance.
- Hub (2025). Outlook 2025. Personal Insurance Marketplace.
- Yahoo! Finance (2025). How extreme weather is increasing the cost of your auto insurance.
- Claims Journal (2024). AccuWeather: Record Warm Winter Costs Businesses Billions in Losses.
- AirHelp (2025). Homepage.
- InsureMyTrip (2025). Holiday Travelers Face Rising Airport Delays and Hidden Costs That Travel Insurance Can Help Offset
- InsureMyTrip (2025). Holiday Travelers Face Rising Airport Delays and Hidden Costs That Travel Insurance Can Help Offset