Frozen Pipes & Black Ice: A San Marcos Resident’s Guide to Winter Liability
January 21, 2026
Proactive steps to safeguard your property and family from the unique risks of a Central Texas freeze.
In Central Texas, we don’t get a "traditional" winter. We get three months of mild weather interrupted by 48 hours of extreme freezing temperatures. While we might not be shoveling snow every day, the "flash freezes" we experience in San Marcos and Kyle can actually be more damaging to your property than a northern winter.
At San Marcos Insurance Agency, we want to help you avoid the two most common winter claims: water damage from burst pipes and liability from slips or accidents.
Here is how to "Winterize" your insurance mindset this season.
1. The "Drip" is Your Best Friend
When the temperature drops below freezing for more than a few hours, the water in your pipes expands. If those pipes are in an exterior wall or an uninsulated attic, they will burst.
- The Action: Wrap your outdoor faucets (foam covers are available at most local hardware stores) and keep your indoor faucets at a slow drip during a hard freeze.
- The Insurance Angle: Most homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water discharge (like a burst pipe), but they may deny a claim if the home was left vacant without heat or if "reasonable care" wasn't taken to prevent the freeze.
2. Watch the "Walking" Liability
If you own a business on The Square or a rental property near Texas State, remember that ice in Central Texas is often invisible. Unlike snow, "black ice" on sidewalks and stairs is a major slip-and-fall hazard.
- The Action: Keep a bag of sand or salt handy. If an icy patch forms on your walkway, treat it immediately.
- The Insurance Angle: As a property owner, you have a "duty of care" to keep your premises safe. If a visitor slips on your icy porch, your General Liability (for businesses) or Personal Liability (for homeowners) is what protects you from a lawsuit.
3. Space Heaters & Fire Safety
We all break out the space heaters when the North Wind starts blowing down I-35. However, space heaters are a leading cause of home fires in Texas.
- The Action: Keep heaters at least three feet away from curtains, bedding, and furniture. Never plug them into an extension cord—plug them directly into the wall.
- The Insurance Angle: Ensure your smoke detectors are working. In the event of a fire, having a recent Home Inventory (photos of your belongings) makes the claims process significantly faster and ensures you get the full value for your contents.
4. Don’t Forget the I-35 Commute
Winter weather in San Marcos often means ice on the overpasses of I-35 and Wonder World Drive long before it hits the surface streets.
- The Action: Check your tire pressure (it drops when it gets cold!) and your battery strength.
- The Insurance Angle: Check your auto policy for Roadside Assistance. If you get stranded in a freeze, you don't want to be stuck waiting hours for a tow you have to pay for out of pocket.
Stay Warm and Protected Whether you’re a lifelong local or a new resident in Buda, we’re here to make sure your coverage is as "winter-proof" as possible. If you’re worried about your deductibles or want to verify your pipe-burst coverage, give us a call!
Contact us today at (512) 754-7119 or stop by our office at 1517 Aquarena Springs Dr.
The $1 Million Question: Why San Marcos Families Need an Umbrella Policy
Welcome to Hays County! 5 Insurance Surprises for New Texas Residents
Renting to Bobcats? The Landlord's Guide to San Marcos Rental Property Insurance
Paws & Policies: A San Marcos Pet Owner's Guide to Insurance
How to Right-Size Your Insurance When You Downsize Your Home
Living in Central Texas isn't just about the great communities and proximity to Austin and San Antonio. For many of us, it's about the weekends. It’s about getting out and enjoying the incredible landscape that surrounds us. It's about launching the boat at Canyon Lake, taking a scenic motorcycle ride through the twists and turns of the Hill Country, or parking the RV for a long weekend getaway. Your "toys" are your ticket to freedom, but they also represent a significant investment and a major liability. A common and costly mistake is assuming your auto or home insurance policy automatically covers them. It doesn't. At San Marcos Insurance Agency, we help our clients protect their fun. Here’s what you need to know about insuring your recreational vehicles. 1. Boats on Canyon Lake & The Guadalupe Here’s the hard truth: Your homeowners insurance provides little to no meaningful coverage for your boat. It might cover a small canoe or kayak for liability on your property, but the moment you put a motor on it or take it to a lake, you're exposed. A dedicated boat policy is essential and covers: • Physical Damage: Protects the boat, motor, and trailer from theft, fire, or damage, whether it's on the water or in your driveway. • Liability: This is critical. It covers you if you cause an accident that injures another boater or damages their property (docks, other boats). • On-Water Towing: If you're stranded in the middle of Canyon Lake with a dead engine, this coverage is a lifesaver, paying for the tow back to the marina. • Wreckage Removal: If your boat sinks, you are legally responsible for the cost of removing it. This coverage handles that expense. 2. Motorcycle Rides in the Hill Country A motorcycle isn't just a smaller car; it carries entirely different risks. The winding roads around Wimberley and Dripping Springs are beautiful but demand respect. Standard auto insurance isn't enough. A motorcycle policy needs to include: • Guest Passenger Liability: Does your policy cover a passenger riding with you? Many don't unless you specifically add it. • Custom Parts & Equipment (CPE): You've spent money on custom pipes, a new seat, and chrome. Your basic policy won't cover those upgrades unless you add CPE coverage. • Higher Medical Payments: With a higher risk of injury, increasing your own medical payments coverage is a smart move. 3. RVs & Travel Trailers: A Vehicle or a Home? The answer is: it's both. And it needs to be insured that way. Your auto policy only provides basic liability when the trailer is hitched to your truck, and your home policy doesn't cover it at all. You need a dedicated RV or travel trailer policy, which combines the best of auto and home insurance: • Total Loss Replacement: If your new RV is totaled, this can help you get a brand new, comparable model, not just the depreciated cash value. • Vacation Liability: Covers you for injuries or property damage that happen at your campsite—for instance, if a guest trips over your awning. • Personal Effects: Covers all the stuff you keep inside your camper (grills, TVs, clothes, camping gear) that aren't part of the vehicle itself. • Full-Timer's Liability: If you live in your RV for months at a time, this provides broader liability protection that acts more like a homeowners policy. 4. The Bundle is Your Best Friend Here's the good news. Insuring your "toys" doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Most carriers we work with offer significant discounts for "bundling." When you insure your boat, motorcycle, or RV with the same company that writes your home and auto policies, you not only simplify your life with one agent and one bill, but you can also unlock multi-policy discounts that save you serious money. Get Your Fun Covered Before you hook up the trailer or roll out the bike for your next adventure, let's talk. A quick 15-minute call with us can ensure your weekend fun is properly protected. Contact San Marcos Insurance Agency today for a free, no-obligation quote on your recreational vehicles.
Serving The Square: The Must-Have Insurance for San Marcos Restaurant & Bar Owners
Is Your Hays County Home Really Prepared for the Next Big Storm?
Your First-Time Buyer's Insurance Guide
We love our pets in San Marcos! 🐾 But have you thought about their insurance needs?