Home insurance, like most types of insurance, is something that's important to have but that you ideally won't need to use. Of course, disaster can strike at any time — and when your home is hit with covered damage, you should absolutely file a claim with your homeowner's insurance company. Still, there are some common home insurance claims that can often (but not always) be avoided with a little proactivity. By avoiding these kinds of claims altogether, you can save yourself some hassle and keep that deductible money in your own pocket, too!
Schedule an Annual Roofing Inspection
Roofing claims are very common, especially during the summer months when wind and hail storms tend to strike. Your best line of defense against a roofing claim is to make sure your home's roof is properly maintained. This begins with scheduling an annual roofing inspection, which can alert you to small issues (such as a missing or damaged shingle) that can be easily repaired before things get worse.
In addition to annual inspections, you can further protect your roof by keeping tree limbs and branches trimmed and pruned away from your home.
Protect Your Home's Plumbing
Water damage claims from plumbing problems are also quite common among home insurance policyholders. From leaky appliances to frozen and burst pipes, there are many potential sources of water damage in your home. The best way to avoid these kinds of claims is to be proactive about your home's plumbing maintenance.
This should include having an annual plumbing inspection done, as well as checking for leaks underneath sinks and around appliances (like clothes washers) regularly. You should also take measures to protect pipes from freezing during the winter months, such as keeping your heat turned on even when you're not home.
Take Measures to Prevent Theft
Home break-ins and theft are, unfortunately, another potential source of home insurance claims. You can reduce your risk of falling victim to theft by installing motion-detecting lights around your property, as well as keeping landscaping trimmed back around exterior windows. You might also consider having a home security system installed, as these can provide an extra layer of protection and may even qualify you for a discount with your home insurance carrier.
A little effort goes a long way in avoiding common home insurance claims on your property. From there, you can avoid unwanted rate hikes and keep your home in great shape!
For more information, contact a home insurance provider.
Share3 February 2021
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