Frost damage increases sixfold: What homeowners should do now

Burst pipes

Great explosive power: Frost damage increases rapidly

R+V Versicherung will record significantly more frost damage in 2026. But these can easily be prevented by apartment owners.

With the start of the cold season, the risk of frost damage to apartments and houses increases again. If you are not careful, you will quickly find yourself with burst pipes and subsequent water damage.

At R+V Versicherung, one of the largest German insurers, damage caused by frost increased noticeably this year. Conny Flörcks, expert for residential building insurance at R+V, says: “The damage caused by frost in the first three months of 2026 is 3.6 million euros, six times as high as in the entire year of 2025.” There were severe frosts, especially at the beginning of 2026 Weather shaped in parts of Germany.

Frost has enormous explosive power. If the water in the pipes and heating pipes freezes, there is a risk of massive water damage to the building. “The damage often only becomes visible when the ice thaws and the water spreads through the walls,” says Flörcks.

The risk of such damage can be reduced by taking simple precautions. Flörcks recommends draining the water from pipes outside or in unheated rooms before the first frost. If this is not possible, additional insulation can help.

The heating should never be turned off completely during cold periods. Not even if the apartment is temporarily unoccupied during the winter holidays, for example.

If a pipe is already frozen, the worst damage can still be prevented. “You should immediately turn off the water pipe at the main tap and then heat the building to temperatures of more than 5 degrees,” advises Flörcks. It is then important to monitor the thawing process in order to quickly locate a possible leak. A look at the water meter is revealing: if it continues to run despite the taps being closed, it is a problem Indication of a major leak.

If the water pipe does burst, insured people should report the damage to their insurance company quickly. Household contents insurance covers damage to furniture, electrical appliances and clothing, and homeowners insurance covers damage to the building.

However, insured persons must fulfill certain obligations. This refers to rules of conduct that the insured person must adhere to. If an apartment has been vacant for a long time, this can also include shutting off and emptying all water pipes. If the policyholder does not comply adequately with these requirements, for example by only turning off the water but not emptying the pipes, the insurance company can reduce its benefits in the event of damage. It is therefore advisable to take a closer look at the contractual conditions.