Written by the team at Alberta Insurance Pro (Acera Insurance), Airdrie. Reviewed by Brent LaRiviere, Owner, Alberta Insurance Pro. Last reviewed: November 2026.

Short answer: Usually, yes. Standard home insurance in Alberta typically covers the sudden water damage from frozen and burst pipes, as long as the pipes are in the heated part of your home and you took reasonable steps to keep the heat on. The coverage has conditions, though, especially if you’re away or the home is vacant, and it doesn’t pay to fix a worn-out furnace.

When an Alberta cold snap hits, frozen pipes are one of the most common home insurance questions we get. Here is how frozen pipes and home insurance work, what can lead to a claim being denied, and how to protect your home before the deep freeze.

Does home insurance cover frozen pipes?

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), standard home insurance policies cover the resulting damage from frozen and burst pipes, provided the pipes are in the heated portion of your home and reasonable steps are taken to maintain heat. That can include water damage to floors, walls, ceilings and your belongings, subject to your deductible and policy limits.

Your policy doesn’t change in winter. There’s no special “cold weather” coverage. Instead, your policy lists the perils it covers, such as water escaping from a burst pipe or damage caused by freezing, and the conditions that apply.

When might a burst pipe claim not be covered?

• The home was vacant. IBC says most policies exclude frozen pipes and water damage if the home is vacant, even if you have permission for the vacancy. If a home will be vacant, shut off the water and drain the lines.
• No one checked on the home while you were away. Most policies say how often a competent person must check that the heat is on. IBC suggests having someone check every three days in winter, and failing to do so could lead to a claim being denied.
• The pipe was in an unheated area, such as an exterior wall cavity, an unheated garage or a crawl space, depending on your policy wording.
• The furnace itself. If your furnace or heat pump breaks down and your pipes freeze, the resulting damage is typically covered, but the cost to repair or replace the furnace generally isn’t. Wear and tear is treated as maintenance.

Every insurer words these conditions a little differently, so it’s worth reading your own policy or asking us before you leave home this winter.

What’s the difference between a burst pipe and sewer backup?

They’re different perils. Water escaping suddenly from a burst pipe inside your home is part of most standard policies. IBC says water backing up through your floor drain or sewer line is typically not covered by a standard policy, though most insurers offer optional sewer backup coverage. Overland flooding is separate again and is also optional where available. If you’re not sure which you have, ask us for a water damage coverage check.

How to prevent frozen pipes in an Alberta winter

1. Insulate pipes near outside walls, in basements and in crawl spaces.
2. Seal drafts around windows, doors, and where pipes and cables come through walls.
3. Know where your main water shut-off is, and make sure everyone in the house can find it.
4. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor taps before the first hard freeze.
5. Keep the heat on when you’re away, and arrange for someone to check the home.
6. Act fast if the power or furnace fails. Shut off the water, drain the pipes, and safely heat the home as soon as you can.

What to do if a pipe bursts

1. Shut off the water at the main valve.
2. Turn off electricity to affected areas if it’s safe to do so.
3. Take photos and video of the damage before you clean up.
4. Prevent further damage where you safely can, and keep receipts for emergency costs.
5. Call your insurer or our office right away. Most insurers take claims 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

Does home insurance pay to fix the frozen pipe itself?

It depends on your policy. Coverage is mainly for the resulting water damage. Ask us how your insurer handles the cost to access and repair the pipe.

I’m going south for the winter. What do I need to do?

Check your policy before you go. IBC says to tell your insurer if you’ll be away more than 30 days, and most policies require someone to check the home regularly in winter.

Is my condo covered for a burst pipe?

Often it’s shared between your unit owner’s policy and the condo corporation’s policy, depending on where the pipe was and your bylaws. Call us to review both.

Will a frozen pipe claim raise my premium?

It may. Claims history is one of the factors insurers use, and every insurer rates differently.

Is my rental property covered the same way?

Not always. Rental and vacant properties often have different conditions, so ask us to review the policy.

This article is general information only, not legal or insurance advice. Policy conditions for vacancy, heat and home checks vary by insurer. Coverage, conditions and premiums depend on your policy wording, your insurer and your circumstances. Sources: Insurance Bureau of Canada, Does my insurance cover damage caused by extreme cold?; Insurance Bureau of Canada, What is covered when I go on a March Break vacation?; Insurance Bureau of Canada, Water Damage and Flood Protection.