Winter weather in the mountains can shift quickly from “no big deal” to burst pipes, water damage, and road hazards. Recent conditions in the region (0:40-2:17) were a good reminder that preparation and the right coverage can reduce stress and out-of-pocket costs.

A simple readiness plan can limit damage when power goes out or roads become unsafe. Practical steps discussed included having a generator ready, filling a bathtub for backup water use, and keeping alternate cooking and heating options available (1:04-1:43). Even when your area avoids major damage, nearby communities can see heavy claim activity from frozen pipes and restoration demand (1:43-2:17).

Frozen pipe losses are among the most common and expensive homeowners claims (3:30-3:45). The key distinction: if pipes freeze because you lose power and cannot heat your home, that is generally covered under homeowners insurance (5:57-6:28). But if you simply fail to maintain heat, it may be excluded as neglect (6:07-6:28). Water losses are disruptive and can lead to mold issues if drying and remediation are not handled properly (8:01-8:31).

One way to reduce the severity of water losses is an automatic water shutoff device that monitors water flow and turns the water off if it detects a leak (6:29-7:05). It also helps to know where your home’s main shutoff is located, because stopping water fast can prevent thousands in additional damage (7:05-7:41).

Some insurance companies offer discounts for installing these devices (7:17-8:01). On higher-value homes, insurers may even require a shutoff system to write or keep a policy, with cancellation possible if it is not installed within a set timeframe (9:56-10:27).

A past water loss can complicate insurance placement, even if the claim occurred in another state or before the current owner purchased the home (8:31-9:56). In some cases, an agency has to work directly with underwriters to confirm the issue was fixed, properly remediated, and that risk controls are now in place (9:24-10:16). If you are buying a home, asking about prior water damage early can prevent last-minute insurance surprises (9:14-9:56).

Winter driving claims often come down to how the loss is classified.

If you slide on ice and hit a tree or another object, that is typically treated as a collision loss (14:52-15:54). While many people feel this is “not my fault,” insurers often view it as a driving-in-conditions loss, which can affect rates (15:21-15:54).

When a carrier pays a collision claim, your premium often increases, and the loss can remain on your insurance record for several years (15:54-16:28). Even when pricing impact eventually falls off, you may also lose claim-free discounts during that period (16:05-16:28).

Animal strikes (like hitting a deer) are typically comprehensive claims, not collision (16:44-17:59). Comprehensive coverage can also include losses like theft, fire, hail, windshield damage, and in many cases flood damage to a vehicle (17:25-19:05).

That matters because homeowners policies generally do not cover flood unless you have a separate flood policy, but a car with comprehensive coverage may be covered if it floods (18:25-19:05). Interior plumbing ruptures are handled differently than water coming in from outside, which is considered flood (19:05-19:27).

A few small habits can prevent big problems:

If you do not have to drive in icy conditions, stay off the roads (20:28-20:33).

Keep basic winter tools handy, like an ice scraper, especially for newcomers from warmer states (19:40-20:21).

Treat winter prep like hurricane prep: prepare for the worst and hope for the best (2:31-3:15).

Coverage depends on your specific policy language, terms, conditions, and exclusions. Talk with a licensed agent about how it applies to your situation (20:55-21:17).

Winter storms are a fact of life in the mountains. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures may look beautiful, but they also bring increased risk for homeowners and drivers across North Georgia and Western North Carolina. From power outages to frozen pipes and icy roads, cold weather consistently leads to insurance claims each year.

Drawing from real-world insurance experience shared on Peace of Mind, this article explains the most common winter-related losses and how preparation and risk management can help reduce them.

(0:39–2:34)

Many insurance claims during winter storms are not caused by weather alone, but by how people respond to it. Losses often occur when homes lose power, vehicles are driven in unsafe conditions, or properties are not properly prepared before a storm arrives.

In mountain areas such as Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Hiawassee, Young Harris, Mineral Bluff, Hayesville, and Murphy, elevation, shaded roads, and rural infrastructure can extend the impact of snow and ice well beyond the initial storm.

(2:35–5:44)

Power outages are one of the biggest challenges during winter storms. Without electricity, homes can quickly lose heat, leading to frozen pipes, spoiled food, and unsafe living conditions.

Practical preparation steps include:

Outdoor gas-powered generators (used only outside due to carbon monoxide risk)

Indoor-safe battery or solar generators for phones and essential devices

Secondary heat sources such as gas logs or fireplaces

Stocking food, bottled water, and emergency supplies

These measures help reduce the likelihood of loss and limit the severity of damage if an outage occurs.

(5:44–9:00, 13:29–16:00)

Frozen and burst pipes are among the most expensive winter insurance claims. Nationwide, insurers pay an estimated $15–20 billion each year for frozen pipe losses (16:00–16:20).

Homeowners can reduce risk by:

Keeping interior heat on, typically above 50–60°F

Allowing faucets to drip during extreme cold

Disconnecting outdoor hoses from spigots

Fully winterizing plumbing if the home will be vacant

Insurance generally covers frozen pipe damage unless heat was intentionally not maintained. Simply turning off the water is not enough — pipes must be fully drained to prevent freezing.

(6:59–7:59, 16:20–17:36)

Risk management means identifying potential problems and taking steps to avoid or reduce losses. New technology can play a major role in protecting mountain homes, especially seasonal or second residences.

Helpful tools include:

Automatic water shutoff devices that stop water flow when abnormal usage is detected

Alarm systems that may qualify for insurance discounts

Security cameras, including interior cameras that allow homeowners to spot issues remotely

While these tools may not prevent every claim, they can significantly reduce damage and downtime.

(18:18–19:55)

Many mountain homes rely on wood stoves or fireplaces for backup heat. Insurance companies must be informed if a wood stove is installed, and most require:

A wood stove supplement form

Verification that the stove was installed correctly and safely

Improper installation can lead to severe losses. One example discussed involved a wood stove pipe installed through a combustible wall, resulting in extensive fire damage and the eventual teardown of the home (19:11–19:34). Transparency with your insurance agent is essential.

(20:00–20:06)

Snow and ice also increase auto insurance claims. Even if icy conditions contribute to a crash, accidents are typically still considered at-fault, which can impact premiums and driving records. Mountain roads often remain icy longer due to shade and elevation, making caution especially important.

(20:13–20:25)

Winter storms consistently produce insurance claims across North Georgia and Western North Carolina. Preparation, awareness, and proactive risk management can make a meaningful difference in protecting homes, vehicles, and finances.

Understanding how insurance responds to winter-related losses helps homeowners and drivers make informed decisions before the next storm arrives.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. Always consult with a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific situation.

Many homeowners and drivers across Georgia and North Carolina are opening renewal notices and asking the same question: Why did my insurance go up when I haven’t filed a claim? In this episode of Peace of Mind, Mark and Kathy Moore of Moore Insurance Services explain what’s happening in today’s insurance market and what consumers can do to manage rising costs responsibly.

(0:32 – 3:40)Mark Moore reflects on 30 years in the insurance business and explains that the past few years have been unusually difficult for policyholders. While inflation in the general economy has slowed, insurance premiums have continued to rise sharply. Many customers are seeing increases of 15–20% or more despite having no claims.

Georgia has been hit especially hard, with North Carolina now experiencing similar trends.

(3:51 – 5:15)One key factor behind higher premiums is something many homeowners don’t notice: inflation guard. Insurance companies automatically increase the insured value of homes to keep up with rising construction costs. While this helps prevent underinsurance, it also increases premiums.

(5:55 – 7:34)Replacement cost is not the same as market value. Carriers use replacement cost estimators based on square footage, materials, and features like decks, porches, and custom finishes. Many companies also send inspectors to verify details, which can result in coverage changes after a policy is issued.

While frustrating, these adjustments are made by the carrier, not the agency.

(13:25 – 15:26)Another major driver of rising premiums is reduced competition. Mark explains that some insurance companies have exited personal insurance markets in Georgia. When fewer carriers are available, prices rise and coverage becomes harder to obtain.

This restricted market affects both cost and availability.

(15:26 – 16:38)Kathy explains that Moore Insurance is an independent agency, meaning they work with multiple carriers. When one company raises rates, they can shop alternatives and look for discounts. While savings aren’t always possible, having options is critical in today’s market.

(15:26 – 16:38)Some effective ways to reduce premiums without sacrificing protection include:

(16:38 – 18:08)Mark shares a cautionary example of a customer who saved money by switching auto insurance but unknowingly lost umbrella coverage because the umbrella carrier would not extend coverage over another company’s auto policy.

The result was the loss of at least $1 million in liability protection.

(19:01 – 20:31)Cutting coverage limits to the minimum may save money short-term but can create serious financial risk. A safer approach is raising deductibles. For higher-value homes, higher deductibles can significantly reduce premiums without lowering liability protection.