Spring is Here! Get your home ready with some tips to help you protect your home from future insurance claims

2021-03-31
By: Advocate Brokerage

 

Now that it is officially Spring, we wanted to take advantage of the change in seasons to signal a few spring cleaning tasks that may help you to prevent some future, common, homeowners insurance claims.

Indoor Tips:

• Spring clean your dryer by making sure it is free of lint. To do a thorough cleaning, be sure to pay attention to not only the filter but also the vent hose. Dryer lint is one of the leading causes of house fires, so making sure your dryer lint-free to keep your home safe and claim-free.
• Replace the air filters in your HVAC system. To keep the air circulating in your home cleaner and prolong the life of your HVAC system.
• If you don’t have a central station burglar and fire alarm, we encourage you to consider having one installed. Should a home fire occur, having your home connected to a central station will save value seconds and prevent the outbreak of fire from turning into a total home loss.
• While you are in the laundry room take a minute to check the hoses on your washing machine for any signs of wear. If you still have rubber hoses, it is a good idea to upgrade to braided steel hoses. Water damage claims due to washing machine malfunction are one of the most common claims we see.
• Take a look at the drip pan under your washing machine. If it looks aged or is cracked, it may be a good time to have it replaced.
• Examine your window and doors to look for cracks in the caulking. If you find dried-out caulking, you may want to have it replaced. This is another step designed to help you keep water in its place.
• Water spreads quickly causing thousands of dollars in damage in its wake. Double-check your kitchen & bath caulking for cracks.
• Consider having a whole house water flow alarm installed in order to detect water leaks. There are many different options available to accomplish this, there are sensor-based alarms that will automatically shut off your water should a leak be detected as well as flow-based alarms that will trigger alarms to let you know a leak has been detected. Please let us know if you would like additional information!

 

Outdoor Tips:

• Take a stroll outside of your home and be on the lookout for tripping hazards. Check for uneven walkways, loose banisters, or stairs that have damage. You’ll protect yourself from future liability claims by having them repaired.
• Survey your roof for damage. If you can safely do so, check your roof for loose or damaged shingles and call in a professional to make any repairs.
• Clean your gutters & downspouts. Remove any debris so that all water can be properly diverted away from your home.
• Remove and clear away any damaged tree branches that are close to your home, fence, or other structures. Taking care of this prior to the start of the storm season can prevent damage to your home and the need to file a claim.
• Consider installing a generator. To weather a storm with minimal damage to your home means maintaining power for as long as possible. We recommend the installation of a permanent generator, not only could it help you prevent future claims, most carriers offer a discount on your homeowner’s policy.

 

Of course, Advocate Brokerage will be here to help and support you in any way should trouble arise and you need to file a claim, but we’d much rather help to prevent one instead! Taking some time to make sure everything in your home is in good working order is a great way to prevent future claims.