The coldest temperatures of the season are here. With the mercury dipping into the teens and single digits, you should be aware of the increased risk for frozen pipes.

While there are long-term measures you can take to prevent frozen pipes in your home, like having proper insulation and sealing any cracks or gaps in your siding or foundation, there are a few small, but helpful, things you should do during extreme cold spells.

What you can do to combat the freeze:
• Keep your thermostat set to a warmer temperature than usual
• Consider opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate
• On the coldest days, consider letting a little cold water drip from the faucet

If you think you have a frozen pipe in your home, shut off the main water supply and call a licensed plumber right away. We recommend you avoid thawing a frozen pipe yourself — improper technique could cause the pipe to burst, leading to costly damages to your home.

Have questions?
Contact your Connecticut Insurance Exchange agent today! (860) 666-5443

Where it lands is the key to liability...
Q: Let's say a neighbor's tree falls during a storm and crashes into your home. Who pays for the damage? This isn't meant to be a 'trick' question, but it may seem like one.

A: Even though it's your neighbor's tree, it's your responsibility. If the tree was in good health and it came down due to an act of God, nobody can be held responsible for that.

Tree damage — who pays for what?

• The property owner whose house is hit by a tree is covered under their homeowner's policy.
• The property owner whose vehicle is hit by a tree is covered under their auto policy — but only if they have "comprehensive" coverage on the vehicle.
  
• If the tree that falls is rotted or diseased and should have been pruned or cut down, then a question of negligence can be raised. The property owner may seek to hold the tree owner liable for damages.
  
• Tree removal is only covered if a structure or vehicle is hit by the falling tree. NOTE: Pools are not covered. So, if a tree falls only on your lawn or garden — with no damage to your home or vehicle —the cost of tree removal, damage to lawns, gardens or damage to pools are generally not covered. Check your policy for specifics.
• If a tree on your property falls into your neighbor's yard without damage to their home or vehicle, tree removal is not covered by either party's insurance. You and your neighbor must discuss who pays for cleanup.

Contact your Connecticut Insurance Exchange agent at 860 666-5443 or email us at info@cieltd.us if you have questions about tree damage liability. We will be happy to review your policy and exposures to make sure you are properly covered!