Helpful Tips

Your claims history is one of the few factors affecting your homeowner’s insurance premiums that you can actively manage. Here are some things you can do to help prevent the hassle and expense of having to file a claim against your homeowner’s insurance policy.

• Since most standard home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by frozen pipes if you have not taken preventative measures, make sure you winterize your home ahead of freezing weather.
• Inspect the plumbing in your home regularly to ensure there are no slow leaks, brittle hoses or repeated seepage from pipes.
• If you are in a predominantly wet climate, regularly inspect your home for any sign of moisture. If you find any mold, use bleach to clean the area immediately.
• Prepare your home for storms and high winds by storing outdoor furniture and ensuring trees that may pose a threat to your home have been properly trimmed.
• Check your smoke alarm batteries regularly and ensure you have several fire extinguishers in your home.
• Record the serial numbers of all of your electronic equipment and keep receipts in a safe place.
• Some items or features are considered “attractive nuisance” and care should be taken to alleviate such issues. For example, a pool without adequate fencing and a locked gate around it could pose a hazard to small children.
• Steps, stairways, decks and high places should have adequate railings and non-slip surfaces to prevent accidents.

Please ensure that you review your policy wording carefully and understand the terms, conditions and exclusions that apply to your policy. E. & O. E.