The holiday season is one of the most meaningful—and unpredictable—times of the year. As families gather and winter weather settles in, the likelihood of unexpected property incidents rises. Frozen pipes, heating failures, electrical issues, and seasonal weather events can disrupt homes without warning. When that happens, Policyholders and Adjusters depend on CRS to step in quickly and provide stability.
December is more than just a busy season; it’s a time when our mission becomes especially visible. Every day, even on major holidays, our teams work behind the scenes to ensure families have a safe, comfortable temporary home when they need one most.
Why holiday claims increase
Winter and holiday months bring a unique set of risks that often lead to displacement:
1. Cold-Weather Damage
These issues are common causes of December claims and frequently require immediate temporary housing:
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Ice dams
- Roof damage
- Heating system failures
2. Increased Home Activity
These conditions can create or worsen property risks at the worst possible time:
- Extended cooking
- More lighting and electrical usage
- Additional guests in the home
- Travel schedules that can delay noticing an issue
- Frequent use of fireplaces
3. Seasonal Weather Events
Snowstorms, freezing rain, and wind events can cause structural damage or power outages that make homes temporarily uninhabitable. CRS prepares for these scenarios long before the season begins.
Preparing Adjusters for the holiday surge
Supporting Adjusters during the holidays requires careful planning, resource management, and around-the-clock readiness.
1. CRS360 Portal
The CRS360 portal gives Adjusters a simple, centralized place to prepare for the holiday season with confidence. This tool offers easy access to claims – including both hotel and housing extensions – helping families plan ahead, and stay informed with real-time information and intuitive tools.
2. Streamlined Communication for Adjusters
This helps Adjusters maintain efficient claim workflows, even during holiday staffing constraints. Because timely updates matter more than ever during the holidays, CRS focuses on:
- Clear placement communication
- Fast response times
- Accurate availability checks
- Transparent timelines
Dedicated staffing ensures 24/7 coverage
Even when call volume spikes, the goal remains the same: a smooth, stable experience for the Policyholder and a straightforward process for the Adjuster. CRS maintains full operational coverage throughout the holiday months for:
- Emergency placements
- Weather-related surges
- Last-minute housing changes
What Policyholders should know
To help families navigate unexpected property loss during this season, CRS recommends the following:
1. Report Issues Quickly
Even small leaks or heating issues can escalate faster in winter conditions. Early reporting helps to avoid a loss in the home.
2. Keep Essential Items Accessible
During travel-heavy weeks, it helps to pack critical medications, documents, and winter essentials in an easy-to-grab location.
3. Stay Informed About Weather Conditions
Monitoring local forecasts can help prevent weather-related incidents or allow early intervention.
A season of support
December brings unique challenges, but it also highlights the strength and purpose behind CRS. When a disruption impacts a family’s holiday season, our team is ready—with planning, responsiveness, and compassion.
To every Policyholder navigating an unexpected event this winter, and to every Adjuster coordinating support: CRS is here to ensure your holiday season remains safe, stable, and supported.
Recommended Resource Links
- Majority of US Homes Damaged by Winter Storms — Hippo
- Holiday Fire Safety — U.S. Fire Administration
- Winter’s Unexpected Threat: Ice and Water Damage — IBHS
- Water Damage Statistics & Information — This Old House
- Winter Holiday Safety Tip Sheet — NFPA
- Why Pipes Burst in Winter — Certified Disaster Services
- Frozen Pipes, Ice Dams & Liability Claims — PIA Blog