Why brokers need to help clients prepare now for claims season.
Why brokers need to help clients prepare now for claims season.
When temperatures drop, claims go up. Winter brings a surge of seasonal risks that can wreak havoc on residential and habitational properties—especially apartments, senior living facilities, and subsidized housing. As a broker, helping your clients proactively manage these risks isn’t just good service—it’s a smart strategy.
Convelo understands the unique exposures faced by habitational and multi-unit properties. Whether you’re working with government-assisted apartments, mixed-use buildings, or senior residences, here’s what to watch out for—and how to properly insure.
Frozen Pipes = Costly Claims
Water damage is consistently one of the most expensive winter losses. When pipes freeze and burst, it can lead to:
- Property damage across multiple units
- Mold exposure
- Displacement of residents
- Business income loss for landlords
What to recommend:
- Ensure clients know their building’s plumbing layout and have cold-weather protocols in place.
- Recommend temperature monitoring systems and proper insulation for exposed pipes.
- Review their property coverage for water damage sublimits, mold exclusions, and response times.
Ice & Snow Liability
Slip-and-fall injuries in parking lots, walkways, and building entrances are a top cause of General Liability claims each winter.
For habitational clients, snow removal vendors often have unclear contracts—and gaps in insurance can leave owners and managers holding the bag.
What to recommend:
- Review snow removal contracts for hold harmless and additional insured language.
- Confirm General Liability limits are adequate and respond to third-party bodily injury.
- Consider an Umbrella policy for extra protection during high-claim seasons.
Space Heaters & Fire Risk
Inadequate heat or resident behavior can lead to increased fire risk. Older buildings or units with tenant-supplied space heaters are especially vulnerable.
What to recommend:
- Check that property coverage includes adequate fire protection and code upgrade endorsements.
- Encourage clients to educate tenants and install updated smoke alarms and fire suppression systems.
- For senior living or assisted housing, professional liability exposures may apply if fire leads to resident injury.
Roof Collapse & Structural Damage
Heavy snow and ice can compromise aging structures, especially flat roofs, carports, and porches. Collapse claims can lead to both property loss and tenant injury claims.
What to recommend:
- Ensure property insurance includes coverage for collapse and debris removal.
- Document roof maintenance history and share with underwriters during renewal.
- For larger risks, consider recommending a business income endorsement to cover lost rents.
Special Considerations for Subsidized Housing & Senior Living
Properties serving vulnerable populations—whether through HUD programs, senior services, or nonprofit housing—must also manage heightened liability around accessibility and emergency response.
What to recommend:
- Work with a wholesaler like Convelo that understands the unique risk profile of these clients.
- Offer package solutions that combine GL, property, abuse & molestation, auto, and umbrella in one streamlined quote.
Why Convelo Is Built for Winter Risks
At Convelo, we specialize in placing hard-to-insure residential and habitational risks—even in challenging weather zones. Our programs are designed for:
- Apartment complexes (garden-style, mid-rise, subsidized)
- Senior living facilities (assisted and independent)
- Mixed-use residential/commercial buildings
- Properties undergoing renovation or vacant units
Through our exclusive partnerships with Fortegra and Berkley Human Services, we help agencies place business with:
- Non-admitted and admitted carriers
- In-house underwriting support
- Primary and excess liability
- Fast, broker-friendly submissions
Winter Is Claim Season—Are Your Clients Protected?
Now is the time to review coverage before the first big storm hits. A quick policy review can uncover:
- Gaps in water or fire protection
- Insufficient GL limits
- Lacking collapse or loss of use coverage
- Exposure to uncovered abuse or negligence claims
Contact Convelo today to get the right coverage in place before the freeze.