Battling the Elements: 69% of US Homes Damaged by Winter Storms
Winter is here, and with it comes a unique set of challenges for homeowners. The most recent data from the Insurance Information Institute found that winter storms caused approximately $6 billion in insured losses in 2022. That’s the second-highest year for winter storm-related damages in the past decade.
To help examine this concerning trend, we surveyed over 2,000 U.S. homeowners to find out how they fare in the winter. The majority reported home damage caused by severe winter weather.
While northern regions are no strangers to heavy snow and ice, even homes in southern states are at risk for costly damage. Freezing temperatures, sudden storms, and infrastructures unprepared for the cold can lead to burst pipes, power outages, and structural damage.
Dive into the data to explore the most common winter hazards for homeowners, along with tips to help protect your property—so you can face the season with confidence.
Key takeaways
- Over 60% of homeowners have experienced winter-related damage.
- The top three issues homeowners experience during the winter season include air leaks or drafts, HVAC failures or damage, and frozen or burst pipes.
- Many remain unaware of the potential financial and structural risks posed by winter weather. A significant 41% of homeowners reported being only somewhat aware of the costs associated with winter damage, and 18% admitted to low or no awareness.
- Homeowners are footing the bill for costly winter repairs. Those who experienced repairs say winter weather damage had them shelling out between $500 and $3,000 for repairs.
- Homeowner education on the cost of winter repairs and how to prevent them could help mitigate issues. Homeowners said they’d be motivated to take action to winterize their homes to prevent damage (42%), reduce repair costs (30%), and increase energy efficiency (30%).
- Yet, some homeowners are willing to take a risk rather than take action to winterize their home. Nearly a quarter (24%) of homeowners said they would wait until repair costs reached $251 to $500 before winterizing.
Common winter issues and the high costs of ignoring them
Surveyed homeowners have experienced a wide range of winter-related issues. The most common problems include air leaks or drafts from poor insulation (22%), heating system or HVAC system failures (18%), frozen or burst pipes (17%), and damaged driveways or sidewalks (14%).
Winter issues not only compromise the cozy feeling in your home but can also lead to substantial repair costs if left unaddressed. More than a third (36%) of U.S. homeowners spent over $500 repairing winter damage, with 21% shelling out more than $1,000. The average cost of repairing a burst pipe alone can range from $150 to $5,000 depending on the severity of the issue. This underscores the importance of winterizing your home to help avoid costly surprises.
Despite high repair costs, many homeowners adopt a wait-and-see approach to winterizing their homes. We discovered that 24% of homeowners felt they would be willing to pay at least $251 to $500 out of pocket in repair costs before deciding that winterizing their home is worth it. Others (15%) wouldn't consider winterizing until repair costs reached $501 to $1,000. That’s despite 82% of homeowners saying they are either “very aware” (41%) or “somewhat aware” (41%) of the potential repair costs caused by winter weather.
Winter damage hotspots: Which US regions are most at risk?
US regions most prepared for winter
Homeowners in U.S. regions known for harsh winter weather are leading the charge in winter preparedness. These regions reported the highest percentages of homeowners who started preparing for winter storms ahead of December:
- 56% of homeowners in the West North Central region (i.e., North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa).
- 54% of homeowners in the Mountain region (i.e., Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico).
- 52% of homeowners in the New England region (i.e., Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island).
For these locations, winter weather preparedness isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity. Their proactive approach helps prevent costly repairs and minimizes the risk of major damage.
US regions least prepared for winter
Warmer regions are among the least prepared:
- 30% of homeowners in the South Atlantic region (i.e., Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware) have started preparing. 23% of these respondents indicated they don’t think winterization is necessary.
- 33% of homeowners in the Pacific region (i.e., California, Washington, and Oregon) have begun preparing, with 24% reporting winterization isn't necessary.
- 39% of homeowners in the West South Central region (i.e., Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana) took action in December but 15% don't believe winterization is needed.
Even in these locations, unexpected winter weather can cause problems for homeowners. This is particularly true for those in the East South Central region (i.e., Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Mississippi).
A staggering 92% of homeowners in these states reported at least one type of winter home issue. This includes frozen or burst pipes as the most common issue (31%), followed by poor insulation (28%) and heating system/HVAC issues (28%).
Understanding the specific winter hazards and challenges faced by your region is crucial for effective home winterization. For those in colder climates, starting winterization early can help prevent major disruptions and avoid the financial strain of repairs. For those in warmer climates, this data highlights the potential risks of neglecting winter preparedness.
Whether it’s a burst pipe or a malfunctioning heating system, the costs associated with winter damage can be significant—no matter where you live.
How homeowners are preparing for winter—and why it matters
Our survey reveals that U.S. homeowners recognize the importance of preparing for winter but show varying levels of action and motivation. When asked what would motivate them to winterize their homes:
- 42% cited protecting their home from damage.
- 34% cited keeping their home comfortable during the winter.
- 31% cited peace of mind.
- 30% cited reducing repair costs.
At the time of the survey (November 2024), a promising 41% of respondents had already started preparing their homes for winter, 20% planned to start soon, and 12% were undecided on their plans to winterize their home.
Among those preparing, the most common tasks included:
- Checking or servicing the heating system (35%)
- Draining outdoor water lines and winterizing sprinklers (30%)
- Checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (30%)
- General appliance maintenance (29%)
- Trimming tree branches near the house (28%)
- Stocking up on winter supplies (28%)
However, some critical maintenance tasks, like insulating pipes (19%) or inspecting roofs for damage or leaks (20%) were lower priorities, highlighting a gap in preparedness and education on the risks of winter weather.
Moreover, actions like sealing windows and adding insulation not only help prevent winter issues but also help save on electric bills.
Winter doesn’t have to catch you off guard. By taking steps now, you can help save money and become better equipped to handle unpredictable winter weather without stress.
6 tips to help you winterize your home
Acting early in the season can help you avoid some potential hazards and the stress of last-minute fixes.
Here’s how to get started:
- Monitor your thermostat: Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature of 68°F to 70°F to help reduce energy costs.
- Seal air leaks: Prevent air leaks by sealing gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and other openings.
- Inspect and clean gutters: Clear debris to prevent water damage and ice buildup in cooler climates.
- Protect pipes: Insulate exposed pipes and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
- Service your heating system: Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up once a year.
- Create an emergency kit: Stock up on essential supplies, such as water, food, flashlights, and batteries in case of storms or outages.
Need more guidance? Check out our winter home maintenance checklist or use the Hippo Home app for personalized checklists personalized to your home to protect your home year-around.
Methodology
This survey was conducted by SurveyMonkey Audience on behalf of Hippo Insurance Services on November 27, 2024. The results are based on 2,004 completed surveys. Respondents were screened to be U.S. homeowners (this includes single-family homes, condos, and townhomes) who are over 18 years of age. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately +/-2% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.
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