The winter season is often a stressful time for homeowners. Poor weather has the potential to damage your property. While obtaining insurance is an asset, filing multiple claims during the winter can become troublesome.
Research shows that filing a lot of home insurance claims can alter your insurance premiums. Your premiums will become more expensive, and you could potentially have future coverage rejected. Homeowners insurance claims in winter are generally high because of frequent inclement weather. Reducing claims can help you save money.
Here's a look at a few ways to reduce your homeowners insurance claims in winter.Lots of snow around your home is a hazard. If someone falls and injures themselves on your property, they can file a claim against your insurance. While slips and falls are freak accidents that may occur at any moment, they are more likely to occur during the winter because of melting snow and ice. You can reduce potential accidents by shoveling snow around the driveway and walkways immediately after a storm. In some states, there are legal mandates that you have to shovel sidewalks around your home. Adding salt or sand to those surfaces can help keep things tidy.
Ice dams can be a major hazard after intense snowfall. As the snow starts to melt from your roof, it spreads and freezes along the edge of your roof. The accumulation takes shape like a dam and prevents future melting snow from flowing off your roof. In some cases, the water penetrates your shingles and enters your home. The water flows along beams and into different parts of your home, causing extensive damage. Make sure that you shovel the show around the edges of your roof. If you have a low-lying roof, you can purchase a unique shovel. If you have a higher roof, you may need to hire a contractor to complete the task.
Delayed home repairs also have the potential to cause substantial personal injuries. Common issues that have led to injuries in the past include uneven steps, loose railings, slippery pavement, and dangerous walkway obstructions. Many homeowners neglect issues in and around their homes. By the time they fix it, serious damage has been caused. The longer you wait to take care of an issue, the higher your liability risks are. Carry out all home repairs on time to prevent potential safety issues.
Frozen pipes are a common hazard during the winter. As the temperatures drop, ice can form within different sections of pipe around your home and block water flow. One common area to watch out for is your basement. The water mainstreaming through your home exerts constant force within the pipes. Blockage can cause pressure to clog up, leading to a burst. Water from the mainline flowing through the pipes can cause flooding in your home. The easiest way to protect your home is to make sure that you maintain the proper temperature inside your home. When you leave your home for an extended period, don't turn the heat down too low. While you may save money on heating expenses, you leave your home exposed to potential flood damage. Consider insulating your water pipes, which shields them from circulating air.
If you file a home insurance claim during winter, you may have to take a few extra steps. If your pipes burst, insurance companies may want to check and see that your heating system was working at the time of the accident. Failing to maintain your HVAC system may lead to issues regarding your claim. You may be obligated to show that you were not negligent in any way or contributed to the issues in your home. Also, keep in mind that some damages are not covered through your policy. Speak with your insurer to review the policy so you'll be aware of possible exclusions.
The winter season is a time when homeowners have to be mindful of potential issues developing. These tips can help you avoid potential insurance claims and save money and potential stress. If you have any questions about your coverage, contact the experts here at Kneller Insurance Agency, and we will assist you.
