Prevent home insurance claims this fall

As the season changes and temperatures begin to cool, there is a lot you can do to prevent home insurance claims this fall and winter too. Before it gets too cold, here are some key areas to focus on and remedy as needed in order to prevent bigger problems that could lead to making a claim. After all, the fewer claims you make, the better your insurance rates will be.

Make a thorough inspection of your roof looking for any shingles that are loose, lifting up at the corners or missing. If you are not comfortable getting up there on a ladder, using binoculars can help give you a close-up look or hiring someone is always an option. It’s important to properly maintain your roof in case you do need to make an insurance claim, otherwise it could be denied.

Whether you call them eaves troughs or roof gutters, it is especially important in the fall to keep them clear of leaves, bird nests and other debris. Also check them for leaks to be sure water is not ending up close to your house somewhere potentially causing water damage.

If you enjoy a wood-burning fireplace and use it regularly, you should have a professional clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace every fall before you begin using it again. This is a smart investment in your safety as well as proper home maintenance.

Regardless of the weather or season, keep your home safe at all times by ensuring your smoke alarms are working on every floor. While weather-related claims are common, fire claims are the costliest. Installing new batteries in your smoke alarms every fall and spring is a small investment in your family’s safety.

We know some claims are going to happen but preventing others can save you money. If you have any insurance questions, feel free to talk with the insurance experts at Mitch Insurance Brokers at 1-800-731-2228 or info@nullmitchinsurance.com. We’d be happy to help.