Do you know the four most common residential insurance claims? They all involve completing outdoor home repairs that will help prevent expensive repairs and possible insurance rate spikes. This fall, take the time to protect your home before the harsh New England winter begins.
1. Water Damage
From a leaking roof to cracked pipes, water damage can ruin your home and possessions. Inspect your roof and make any repairs before the heavy snow begins to fall. You should also take the time to clean and repair your rain gutters too. Clean gutters will prevent water saturating the ground around your basement.
2. Fire Damage
Unexpected cooking or heating source fires can quickly destroy your home. While you’ll want to test your indoor smoke detector batteries and practice an escape plan, make sure to replace your furnace filters and clean the chimney too. Don’t forget to also inspect the exterior of your chimney to ensure it is in safe working order.
3. Storm and Wind Damage
Snow, ice and wind storms damage fences and roofs. Take the time now to trim trees and remove any dead or low-hanging branches that could do the most damage around your property. Nail any loose siding into place, and secure your patio furniture and any other loose items inside your shed to prevent them from flying away or being damaged.
4. Visitor Accidents
Uneven sidewalk, loose railings and worn deck stairs could cause your winter visitors to slip and fall, so fix these problems now. Also, stock ice melt and a sturdy shovel so that you can remove ice and snow as soon as bad weather starts and before anyone suffers an injury.
These four common insurance claims could affect you, but preventative measures will go a long way toward protecting your family, home and visitors this upcoming winter.
This time of year is also a perfect time to see if your home insurance policy is up to date. Â If you have any questions or concerns about your policy, give us a call at 860-589-3434 today!
