When are losses due to freezing of a plumbing system covered under a homeowners policy?

Losses due to freezing of a plumbing system are generally covered under a homeowners policy if specific precautions or conditions are not met. In this case, coverage is not provided if the insured has drained the plumbing system. This condition relates to the homeowner's responsibility to maintain the plumbing in a way that prevents freezing, which is especially crucial in colder climates.

If the plumbing system has been properly drained to prevent freezing, the insurer expects that the homeowner has taken appropriate steps to mitigate the risk of loss. Draining the plumbing system is a proactive measure that essentially eliminates the potential for freezing-related damage, thus most policies do not extend coverage in such a scenario.

Other situations, such as the dwelling being occupied, the insulation of the system, or the temperature being above freezing, would not necessarily ensure coverage. For example, if the home is occupied but the heating system fails, which allows for freezing, coverage could still be disputed. Similarly, even if insulation is present, it may not prevent freezing if conditions are extreme. Therefore, the correct condition for loss coverage is that the plumbing needs to remain intact and properly maintained by the insured.