Wiesbaden – November 05, 2026 -- Frost damage to residential buildings cost German insurer R+V 3.6 million euros in the first three months of 2026. That is six times the 600,000 euros recorded for all of 2025.
Hamburg's 25 centimeters of snow came with a hefty bill
Severe frost and heavy snowfall shaped the start of 2026. The heavy snow in northern Germany was especially unusual: in Hamburg, 25 centimeters of snow created near-alpine conditions. Conny Flörcks of R+V says that several days below freezing often lead to expensive damage to residential buildings.
Frozen water has enormous force. When it bursts water pipes and heating pipes, the building can suffer major water damage and costly repairs. The damage often only becomes visible once the ice thaws and water spreads inside the walls, Flörcks explains.
Winter 2020/2021 was colder still. The German Weather Service reported icy cold not seen in a long time, with nighttime temperatures down to -26 degrees. R+V recorded 6.2 million euros in frost damage to residential buildings in 2021.
Never switch the heating off completely in winter
Flörcks recommends draining the water from outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated rooms before the first frost. If a pipe cannot be shut off, extra insulation helps. The heating should never be turned off entirely during a cold spell, including during a winter vacation.
Shut the main tap first if a pipe has already frozen
If a pipe is frozen, turn off the water at the main tap right away and heat the building to more than 5 degrees. Then monitor the thawing process to locate any leak quickly. A running water meter with all taps closed points to a larger leak.
If a water pipe bursts, report it to your insurer quickly. Building insurance covers damage to the building itself, while home contents insurance covers damage to furniture, electrical appliances and clothing.