When Temperatures Drop, Your Clients Need You Most
Winter storms don’t wait for anyone to be ready. In just one weekend this January, over 200 million people across 24 states woke up to power outages, frozen pipes, and damaged property. The losses? Up to $115 billion, according to AccuWeather. For P&C agents, moments like these separate the order-takers from the trusted advisors. The agents who reach out before the storm—and show up after—are the ones clients remember. This guide breaks down exactly what you can do to protect your clients and strengthen your book when the next big freeze hits.
But here’s what made January’s storm different: the Arctic air that followed. Temperatures stayed dangerously low for days, which meant frozen pipes kept bursting, ice dams kept forming, and recovery efforts stalled across the hardest-hit regions. For many policyholders, the real damage didn’t happen during the storm—it happened after.
That’s where you come in. Let’s break down what this means for your clients and what you can do right now.
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to Moody’s Ratings, insured losses from the January 2026 winter storm will reach into the billions. To put that in perspective, the largest winter storm loss on record was the 2021 Texas freeze at $18 billion in insured losses (Aon, 2024).Here’s how winter storm losses have trended over the past decade:
| Year | Insured Losses |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.0 billion |
| 2022 | $11.0 billion |
| 2021 | $18.6 billion |
| 2018 | $4.8 billion |
| 2015 | $4.8 billion |
Source: Aon, as reported by Insurance Journal.
The takeaway?
Winter storms aren’t “minor” perils anymore. Carriers have responded by raising rates and adjusting policy terms for these events. Your clients need to understand this shift.
Why This Storm Hit Different
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter summed it up: “What sets this storm apart is not just the snow and ice, but how widespread the disruption has been across transportation, energy, commerce and daily life.”The Arctic air following the storm made recovery harder. Frozen pipes, structural damage, and extended power outages created secondary losses days after the snow stopped falling.This matters for claims. Many policyholders don’t realize that damage from frozen pipes or ice dams may be covered differently—or have specific requirements for coverage to apply.
Pre-Event: What Proactive Agents Do Before Storms Hit
The best time to help your clients is before disaster strikes. Here’s your action plan:
1. Send a Pre-Season Coverage Check-In
Reach out to clients in storm-prone areas before winter peaks. A simple email or call can uncover gaps across their entire portfolio.
For Homeowners:
- Remind them of their deductibles (especially wind/hail or named-storm deductibles)
- Confirm dwelling coverage keeps pace with rebuild costs
- Review additional living expense (ALE) limits
- Check for flood coverage
- Check for water backup and water seepage coverage
Pro tip: Many homeowners assume standard policies cover all water damage. They often don’t. Water backup and sump pump failure endorsements are frequently overlooked.
For Auto Clients:
- Verify comprehensive coverage is in place (collision won’t cover storm damage)
- Review rental reimbursement limits—vehicles can be out of commission for weeks after hail or flood damage
- Remind clients that comprehensive deductibles apply to each vehicle separately
For Business Clients:
- Review business interruption coverage and waiting periods
- Confirm equipment breakdown coverage is adequate
- Check commercial auto policies for fleet vehicles
- Discuss contingent business interruption if they rely on suppliers or vendors who may also be impacted
2. Educate on Loss Prevention
Share simple winterization tips with your clients:
- Keep heat at 55°F or higher, even when away
- Open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes
- Know where the main water shut-off valve is located
- Clear gutters to prevent ice dams
- Trim tree branches near the home and power lines
This positions you as a trusted advisor—not just someone who collects premiums.
3. Document and Update Property Values
Construction costs have surged. A policy written three years ago may leave your client underinsured today. Review replacement cost estimates annually and adjust coverage accordingly.
Post-Event: Guiding Clients Through the Claims Process
When the storm hits, your clients will have questions. Be ready with answers.
1. Respond Quickly and With Empathy
Your first call or message should focus on their safety, not paperwork. A simple “Are you and your family okay?” goes a long way. Once you know they’re safe, shift to next steps.
2. Walk Them Through Documentation
Coach clients to:
- Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup
- Keep damaged items when possible (carriers may request inspection)
- Save all receipts for emergency repairs and temporary housing
- Make a written inventory of damaged or lost property
3. Set Realistic Expectations
After major storms, claims volume spikes. Adjusters are stretched thin. Let clients know:
- Initial contact may take longer than usual
- Temporary repairs to prevent further damage are typically covered (keep receipts)
- Final settlements may take weeks or months for complex claims
Being upfront builds trust—even when the news isn’t what they want to hear.
4. Watch for Secondary Damage
As AccuWeather noted, “prolonged freezing temperatures increase the likelihood of secondary damage.” Frozen pipes can burst days after the storm passes. Ice dams cause slow leaks that aren’t immediately visible.Advise clients to:
- Monitor for water stains on ceilings and walls
- Check pipes in unheated areas (basements, crawl spaces, attics)
- Report new damage promptly—even if a claim is already open
The Business Opportunity
Storms like this one in January create urgency. Use it wisely.
- Cross-sell and upsell: Clients who just experienced a loss are more receptive to coverage conversations. Flood insurance, water backup endorsements, comprehensive auto coverage, business interruption upgrades, and umbrella policies become real—not abstract.
- Ask for referrals: Clients who feel supported through a crisis become advocates. Don’t be shy about asking for introductions to friends and family.
- Retain at-risk accounts: Competitors will circle after large claims. Stay close. Proactive communication keeps you top of mind.
Key Takeaways for Agents
- Winter storms now generate billions in insured losses annually. Treat them as major exposure events across home, auto, and commercial lines.
- Pre-storm outreach positions you as a trusted advisor and reduces E&O risk.
- Post-storm, speed and empathy matter more than perfect answers.
- Secondary damage (frozen pipes, ice dams, delayed vehicle repairs) often causes more losses than the initial event.
- Every storm is a retention and growth opportunity—if you show up for your clients across all lines of business.
Sources
- AccuWeather. (2025). Winter Storm Fern damage estimate.
- Insurance Journal. (2025). “Winter Storm Expected to Result in Up to $115B in Damages and Economic Losses.”
- Aon. (2024). U.S. Insured Losses from Winter Storms, 2015-2024.
- Moody’s Ratings, as cited by Insurance Journal.
To explore the possibilities of becoming an independent agent within an alliance, you are a licensed P&C insurance agent with 12-18 months of experience. If you are, please visit Pacific Crest Services to set up a confidential discussion, or call us now to speak to one of our sales team. Contact us at 208-938-4197.
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. You should not act or refrain from acting based on this information without first consulting a licensed agent at info@pacificcrestinsurance.com. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken by you based on the contents of this article, which is provided "as is." Pacific Crest Services makes no representation that this content is error-free.
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