I parked my van in the driveway during the “Polar Vortex of ’26.” I forgot to drain the 100-gallon water tank or run the space heater. Overnight, the tank froze solid and split. As it thawed the next day, it flooded the back of my van, ruining my carpet extractor, my polisher batteries, and the subfloor. Damage: $4,000.
Key Takeaways
- The “Freezing” Exclusion: Many Inland Marine (Equipment) policies exclude damage caused by “freezing” UNLESS you took “reasonable steps” to maintain heat or drain the system.
- Negligence: Leaving a water tank full in sub-zero temps without a heater is considered negligence. The insurer might argue you failed to protect the property.
- Flood vs. Leak: Water escaping from a tank inside the vehicle is often covered as “Water Damage” (if not excluded by freezing), whereas water coming from outside (rain/river) is “Flood” (excluded).
- Mitigation: If you didn’t dry it out immediately and mold grew, the mold damage is definitely excluded.
The “Why” (The Trap): Maintenance vs. Accident
Insurance covers accidents.
Freezing is a predictable consequence of physics.
If you live in Minnesota and park outside in January with a full tank, damage is inevitable.
Therefore, insurers often view this as a maintenance failure. You need to prove it was “sudden and accidental” (e.g., the heater failed), not just “I forgot.”
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked adjusters about frozen tanks.
1. Inland Marine (Tool Floater)
- Scenario: Tank burst due to cold.
- Response: “Did you have a heater running?”
- Verdict: If yes (and it broke), covered. If no, denied under “Neglect.”
2. Commercial Auto
- Scenario: Water ruined the van floor/wiring.
- Response: Comprehensive coverage might pay for the van damage, but usually excludes the equipment inside.
3. Prevention Costs
- My Analysis: A ceramic heater costs $30. A new tank and extractor cost $4,000. This is a case where prevention is the only real insurance.
Comparison Table: Freeze Damage
| Cause | Covered? | Notes |
| Heater Failure | Yes | Save the broken heater as proof |
| Forgot to Drain | No (Neglect) | Likely denied |
| Water Damage to Van | Yes (Comp) | Subject to deductible |
| Water Damage to Tools | No (Usually) | Unless heater failed |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Drain It: If temps drop below 32°F, drain the tank. Period.
- Insulate & Heat: If you can’t drain, insulate the van and run a marine-grade heater on a thermostat.
- Document the “Reasonable Steps”: If you file a claim, you need to say: “I had a heater plugged in, but the breaker tripped.” That shifts it from negligence to equipment failure.
- Dry Everything: Pull the mats and tools immediately. Rust sets in within 24 hours.
FAQ
Q: Does antifreeze help?
A: You can pump RV antifreeze through the pump/lines, but filling a 100-gallon tank with it is expensive and hard to rinse out.
Q: Is the tank itself covered?
A: Usually no. The tank is cheap. The damage the water caused to other tools is the expensive part.
[IMAGE: Photo of a split plastic water tank inside a van with ice protruding.]