Winter Storm Warning: What Homeowners Should Do to Protect Their Property

Insurance experts outline practical steps homeowners can take today to stay safe and avoid unnecessary losses

Toronto, ON (Jan. 23, 2026) – With most of Canada currently under Environment Canada’s yellow and orange weather alerts for cold and snow, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is sharing tips to help Canadians protect their property.

“Winter storms and extreme freezing temperatures can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses and vehicles,” said Rob de Pruis, National Director, Consumer and Industry Relations, IBC. “While we can’t stop a winter storm or the potential aftermath, there are steps we can take to help mitigate the risks and better protect our property – and now is the time to act.”

IBC’s Top 10 Winter Storm Tips

1. Take steps to help prevent pipes from freezing; consider pipe insulation, especially for pipes near outside walls, basements and crawl spaces. Prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows and doors and know where the water shut off valves are located.
2. Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family and assemble disaster safety kits for your home, car and office.
3. Prepare for power outages. Have flashlights and portable lighting ready. When using candles, always be mindful of fire hazards.
4. Charge electronics and have backup power sources available.
5. Inspect your attic for frost accumulation, and check your eavestroughs and roof, if safe to do so, for potential ice dams or icicles.
6. If you are away, maintain heat in the dwelling and have someone regularly check your property according to your insurer’s recommendations.
7. Avoid driving, if possible. If you have to drive, clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before you start. Drive according to the road conditions and give snowplows and other vehicles plenty of space. Make sure you have extra windshield cleaner.
8. Once the snowfall has ended, keep your sidewalk and the front stairs of your house clear of snow and ice.
9. Keep snow away from gas meters, gas appliance vents, exhaust vents and basement windows.
10. Move valuable items out of your basement to higher levels in your home, in case of flooding.

Insurance Info and Coverage

Insurance policies are not seasonal or temperature‑specific. Instead, they provide coverage for the perils outlined in your policy. There is no separate “winter” or “cold temperature” coverage; rather, your policy will list the specific perils that may occur as a result of cold conditions – for example, damage caused by freezing.

Perils like water damage from burst pipes, wind, hail or fire are typically covered in standard home insurance policies.

Frozen and burst pipes:

• Standard home insurance policies cover the resulting damage caused by freezing and burst pipes, provided the pipes are in the heated portion of your home and reasonable steps are taken to maintain heat.
• If your home is vacant, you should shut off the water supply and drain the lines, to help prevent frozen pipes.
• If you plan on being away from home, check your insurance policy first. Most policies outline specific details on how often your home must be checked by a competent person to ensure heat is being maintained. Most insurance policies exclude frozen pipes/water damage if your home is vacant, even if you have permission for vacancy.
• If your power goes out or furnace breaks down, take action immediately and do what you can to safely maintain warm temperatures in your home to help prevent pipes from freezing.
• Most insurers have 24/7 claims reporting, so if you do have frozen and/or burst pipes, call your insurance provider right away to start the claims process.

High winds and property damage: 

High winds in the winter are another concern and can cause extensive damage to your home or vehicle. Similar to frozen pipes, damage caused by wind is typically covered in your home insurance policy.

• Most home insurance policies cover wind damage, including:
  • Damage caused by flying debris (broken branches, trees, etc.)
  • Damage to your home and contents if water or snow enters through openings caused by wind or hail.
• Homeowners, in some circumstances, who can’t return to their home as a result of insured damage may be entitled to additional living expenses.
• For vehicles: Damage from wind, hail, ice or water is covered if comprehensive insurance coverage has been purchased. These coverages are not mandatory, so check your policy.

“Canadian winters are tough and seem to be getting even tougher,” added de Pruis. “Do what you can to help protect yourself, each other and your most valuable assets by winterizing your home, avoiding slips and falls, and being a good winter driver.”

Policyholders with questions about their individual policy should contact their insurance representative.

For general insurance information, contact IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1‑844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422 ext. 228) or ConsumerCentre@ibc.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada’s highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. As the leading advocate for Canada’s private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow. IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For more information, visit www.ibc.ca.

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)

Tags: Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), severe weather, tips, winter